I’m a coeliac, as is my son, James, daughter, Ruby, and border collie, Cassie.
All four of us are allergic to gluten, found in wheat, oats, rye and barley, with two of us even suffering from avenin, the protein found in gluten free oats.
Manchester is, however, an excellent city for us – even though my son and daughter live in Norwich and I thought I’d list my favourite places to safely eat out with being glutened:
- Pizza Express. Yes, the ubiquitous chain, with two in Norwich and 4 in Manchester city centre. It does gluten free dough balls, pizzas and two desserts, with never an issue. Prince Andrew didn’t break a sweat in the Woking one, and I’ve never either with worry. My personal favourite is the one near HomeMcr, with the wonderful staff, Cat, Toni, Magda and Fabio greeting me royally every time. The one on King Street has the best interior, the one in Piccadilly Gardens has an undercover outside area, perfect for protecting you from soggy dough balls in the famous drizzle. None are dog-friendly, sadly, so spring to autumn is when I go once a week for lunch or dinner.
- Purezza, Northern Quarter. A vegan place, with two other branches in Camden and Brighton (been to the one in Camden). Three gluten free dishes for £18 is decent value, and it’s dog friendly. I often have the vegan meatballs, a courgette spaghetti or Mac cheese and a pizza. Like it.
- Sweet Mandarin. Just up the road from Purezza on “High Street” with Helen and Colin serving unbelievably great Chinese gluten free food, with only one menu item not GF. Normal Chinese food that would leave you looking for a toilet is never an issue here – spring rolls, noodles, the lot are GF.
- Ezra & Gil. Wonderful café with one on Hilton Street (NQ) and the other on Peter Street (my favourite). Lovely staff, with Lukas, Harry, et al, and gluten free sandwiches and cakes with never any cross-contamination or cock-ups.
- Siphon NQ – near Piccadilly Gardens, opposite Morrisons, with Grace and Gary being friendly and a place serving great coffee and gluten free sandwiches and food.
- Chips @ No 8, Prestwich. I’ve struggled for gluten free fish and chips in the city centre, since Northern Fisheries, on Tib Street, changed hands this year, but the car ride or tram trip to Clifton Road is well worth the hassle. Dan, the owner is affable and warm, and the food is the best I’ve had outside Cromer (Number One on the pier). Gluten free vinegar is used, the fish and chips are cooked separately, and you can cross the busy road with your box to Keg, Cask and Bottle. Here in the precinct, they allow you to bring in your dog and eat your gluten free fish and chips. Chips @ No 8 also has chairs and tables and is dog friendly. Cassie loves the Metrolink ride from Shudehill to Prestwich too.
- Nibble NQ. Again, heaven for coeliacs. Gluten free sandwiches, cakes are all readily available. Space is sometimes at a premium inside but there are some spaces often outside.
- Feel Good Club. NQ. I don’t go in often as I’m an Ezra and Siphon fan, but again excellent for coeliacs. Find them here.
- Pho No 1. Near me, on Oldham Road, Ancoats. Lovely staff led by Anne, the Vietnamese owner, with a massive range of gluten free food – great value too. Just mention you know Stuart if you venture into here or Chips @ No 8. I think they like me!
- Viet Shack, Great Ancoats Street. Dog friendly, and often packed. Never been glutened there and there is a decent, not brilliant choice of gluten free food.
If I had to pick my favourite gluten free Manchester place, based on visits and proximity, it would be Pho No 1.
Basic inside, but lovely staff, good value prices and Anne is delightful as is the food and service.
