My gluten and dairy-free guides to Birmingham, Cambridge and London are some of the most popular blog posts on my site. So today, I wanted to turn somewhere closer to home: to the beautiful Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Since moving to Warwickshire almost two years ago, I’ve loved having Shakespeare’s birthplace on my doorstep and have discovered an amazing range of places for being gluten-free in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Being dairy-free myself, I’ve tried my best to include as many dairy-free Stratford-Upon-Avon options as I possibly can. There’s something for everyone: from Thai to afternoon tea or the British favourite: fish and chips!
So whether you’re local or coming down for the day for a spot of culture and history, here are some of my favourite gluten-free Stratford-upon Avon hotspots! If you’re looking for more ideas, checkout my review of The Hatton Arms in Warwickshire. or my gluten-free guide to Henley in Arden, which is only about 15 minutes away in the car.
Best for gluten-free brunch in Stratford upon Avon: The Boston Tea Party
The location for Boston Tea Party Stratford-Upon-Avon couldn’t be better. It’s just opposite Shakespeare’s birthplace and the main shops. Whenever we go, it’s always busy (and we’re left scrambling for a table) but it’s SO worth it and my favourite place to eat.
The brunch options are amazing: with two pancake choices (these aren’t dairy-free unfortunately as they use ricotta and yoghurt) to gluten-free toast with avocado, salmon and eggs or, if you’re feeling a bit healthier, their fruit brown rice porridge (both of which can be made dairy-free too). They also have great options for vegans-including a veggie fry-up which can be made vegan-and lots of dairy-free smoothie options and hot drinks.
Best for gluten-free pizza in Stratford upon Avon: Wildwood
There are the usual Pizza chains in Stratford-Upon-Avon, such as Pizza Express and Zizzi’s. I’m big fans of both but if you’re after something a bit different then I’d really recommend Wildwood. Not only do they do gluten-free bases and gluten-free pasta but also vegan cheese! I know these are a chain too but I’d never seen one before I saw this one in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Wildwood is located in Sheep Street, a short walk from the theatre and canal area. I love how inventive their flavour options are too.
They have a proper gluten-free menu and they were very accommodating. Because I am actually trying to eat buffalo mozzarella now (my nutritionist says I should be able to tolerate this as it’s not cow’s milk) they made me a chicken and buffalo mozzarella pizza.
Other options for gluten-free pizza in Stratford upon Avon are chains Zizzi’s, Pizza Express and Carluccio’s. In particular, I’ve always found Zizzi’s excellent.
Best for gluten-free fish and Chips in Stratford upon Avon: The Big Fish
This one is a little out of the centre-located at nearby shopping complex The Maybird. They have an extensive gluten-free menu with gluten-free batter available for an extra £1. It’s cooked in a separate fryer and they even do gluten-free gravy (if you’re weird enough to have it on your chips) and beer! The staff were really knowledgeable and helpful when we visited.
A few of you have let me know that this place doesn’t appear to have survived lockdown which is really disappointing to hear! Another option in the centre of town is The Kingfisher but I have not personally tried there.
Best for gluten-free and vegan in Stratford upon Avon: Plantarium Cafe
This 100% vegan cafe is located just opposite the birthplace. There’s everything from cake to hot chocolate and sandwiches and there are lots of gluten-free options.
Best for gluten-free fine dining in Stratford upon Avon: Lambs
Feeling fancy? Lambs of Sheep Street fits the fine dining bill perfectly and has a dedicated gluten-free menu. Dairy-free is easy enough too-except when it comes to dessert.
Best for gluten-free sandwiches and scones in Stratford upon Avon: Bensons
Bensons have an extensive gluten-free menu: including sandwiches, fry-ups and afternoon tea (with gluten-free scones). Bensons has come highly recommended to me when asking locals for tips on where to eat and they now also have a separate dairy-free menu.
Best for Thai: The Giggling Squid
We’ve travelled to Thailand quite a few times so I am pretty fussy when it comes to Thai food. However, The Giggling Squid is hands down the best Thai food I’ve ever eaten!
There’s separate gluten-free menu and vegan menus-with detailed allergy info online (if you’re dairy-free, you’ve got pretty much your pick of the menu as dairy isn’t used too heavily in Thai food; with coconut milk being used instead. There are only 2 dishes I could see on the gluten-free menu that were labelled as containing milk) and there’s plenty of Thai favourites- like this heavenly pad thai (pictured).
We’ve still got lots left to explore when it comes to Stratford-Upon-Avon so I hope to add more gluten and dairy-free picks as and when I come across them!
I’m just wondering if all these gluten free restaurants cater for celiacs ? It is one thing to be gluten free but quite another to be a celiac .
I am looking for somewhere I can go for afternoon tea in Stratford where I can take along my best friend who is celiac.
To cater for a celiac a working restaurant kitchen should have a separate sterilised preparation area which is only used for the preparation of gluten free foods to avoid contamination and all produced should be sourced very carefully.
I like your informative article however it would be great to see more places that do cater specifically to celiacs.
Hi Georgina, I believe Benson’s who I have posted about with the afternoon tea cater for coeliacs., boston tea party also very good on cross contamination. Bensons emailed me actually so i will double check with them