The Red Lion, East Haddon

You Muddy readers are quite the foodies and it’s really not hard to be with scrumptious fare being dished up across our fabulous Shire! One food trend/lifestyle choice (call it what you will) gaining momentum faster than Usain Bolt is a gluten free diet (*see below for what gluten actually is). For various reasons (not always gluten intolerance or celiac disease) this diet is becoming more and more common and N’hants is listening. A variety of restaurants and cafes now serve up some gorgeous plates to satisfy those who want to avoid it, and here, Muddy intern Holly Lamb gives you the lowdown on some places to grab some gluten free grub.

Gluten is a mixture of two proteins present in cereal grains, especially wheat, which is responsible for the elastic texture of dough.

The Old Village Fish and Chip Shop, Corby

If you fancy the British classic of fish and chips then head here on a Monday as it’s guaranteed to be gluten free!! Eat in, or be adventurous and take it out to enjoy the last of the glorious summer sun.

Heavenly Desserts, Wellingborough Road Northampton

Forget savoury and prioritise the sweet as this restaurant is entirely dedicated to indulgence, with a menu long enough to be called a novel… A gluten free section boasts rich choccy fudge cake, Victoria sponge and brownies so you won’t be feeling excluded from dessert heaven!

The Church Restaurant, Northampton

This revamped church (and Muddy Award winner 2016) situated in the town centre is perfect if you are searching for a gluten and hassle free meal. With an allergen key that is almost encyclopaedic and friendly staff who are happy to help, celiacs can choose from Lamb Wellington, to a lighter chicken caesar. However, since it is all freshly prepared lots of dishes are readily adapted to make them gluten free.

Brampton Halt, Chapel Brampton

A separate gluten free menu! No more needs to be said really. The Halt has an extremely extensive menu, with pretty much all of their usual dishes available for celiacs/gluten free’ers – it’s great for a casual evening, which can be enjoyed with lake views near a retro station-masters house (and a few cocktails on the side in true Muddy style).

Castello Lounge, Wellingborough

This restaurant’s interior will instantly brighten your day and so will the food on offer. Castello lounge has a glorious brunch all served on their gluten free bread and rolls. The avocado brunch is sure to cure any fuzzy morning hangover and the tapas options are also worth a graze on if you’re a halloumi addict like myself.

Beckworth Emporium, Sywell

So we’ve covered dessert, brunch and dinner, so let the Beckworth address lunch. My personal fave are the loaded jacket potatoes (all gluten free) that come with a hearty portion of fresh salad and coleslaw. Choose from chilli, tuna mayonnaise, roast pepper or mushroom and cheese, they won’t disappoint. Having devoured your lunch don’t forget to stroll around the deli shop as there are plenty of gluten free groceries, but more importantly hunt out the cakes and sweets, which you can buy and take home!

Pizza Express, Rushden Lakes

Pizza is a nightmare for celiacs, with dough being a definite no no! However, don’t avoid this family favourite chain and take the Mudlets, as there are now 15 gluten free pizzas to choose from since their addition to the summer menu, all at an incredibly affordable price. You’ll definitely want a piece of their pizza – (which you can also now find in Sainsbury’s if you want to recreate the slice of heaven at home).

The Charles Bradlaugh, Northampton (Upper Mounts)

Bradlaugh Burgers, the perfect BBQ grub, have no breadcrumbs or other glutenny shizzle added and can be devoured by celiacs all summer long. All you’ve gotta do is let them know you’ll be popping in in advance and they’ll make sure your dish is gluten free. The Roast dinner burger is a must try, in this renovated former shoe factory, named after the quirky and rebellious 19th century MP.

The Red Lion, East Haddon

If you are looking for sophisticated, slightly more upmarket, yet still relaxed and reasonably priced food, then head to the Red Lion. Conveniently located a few miles from Northampton and open seven days a week, their menu is very accommodating of celiacs and non-glutens, with most meals being adapted free upon request. With gluten free tempura tiger prawns and a BBQ Rack of ribs with asian slaw, tasty food can be expected for sure.

The Daily Bread Co-operative, Bedford Road Northampton

Having covered almost any scenario of eating out, from pubs to restaurants, to casual or more formal, the Daily Bread is in fact a supermarket, where ethically sourced and delicious gluten free ingredients and products can be purchased, perhaps for a picnic out in the summer sun? Gluten free oats, bread, pies, cookies, flour and even paninis, their selection of celiac friendly foods is outstanding.