Delicious and Safe Options in York City Centre
The last couple of times we’ve visited my husband’s family in York, we’ve ended up eating at the same places. Well, when you find somewhere that serves up delicious and safe food, you don’t want to mess with the formula.
On our most recent visit, we managed to pop into two old and trusted favourites, as well as being very lucky to experience afternoon tea at Betty’s Café Tea Rooms – a Yorkshire institution.
Drift-In (Clifford Street): A Cosy Gluten-Free Lunch Spot
Located just a few minutes’ walk from the main shopping area in York city centre, Drift-In has two outlets, which are actually very close together.
On both occasions, we’ve visited the Clifford Street location. It’s a warm and cosy lunch spot, with friendly staff, and extensive gluten-free options.
The gluten-free tiger bread at Drift-In is so soft you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been given the gluten-containing option. It even holds it own in sandwich form, and my chicken, bacon and avocado stayed safely inside its bready casing.
The menu caters to a wide variety of dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan. It’s a reliable spot for lunch in the city, and pocket-friendly, too.
The Cut & Craft: Elegance with a Gluten-Free Twist
This atmospheric cocktail bar and restaurant in the heart of York city centre specialises in aged steaks, sustainable seafood, and seasonal fruit and vegetables.
The menu caters to many different dietary requirements, and they were able to offer me a specific, gluten-free menu, to ensure I could order safely.
The signature flat-iron steak was cooked to perfection, and having a separate menu gave me the confidence to order fries without worrying about cross-contamination.
This is a gorgeous spot, whether it’s for a family meal or date night, and it’s clear that the staff at The Cut & Craft take their allergies seriously.
Betty’s: A Festive Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea Experience
When we were planning our trip to the UK, and realised my birthday would fall during our stay in York, I suggested to my husband that the ultimate birthday present would be to find a gluten-free afternoon tea – but I didn’t think it would actually happen.
We scanned through a few menus but ultimately decided that it was a bit pricey, and that we might struggle to fit it into our plans anyway. I put it out of my mind, chalking it up as a ‘one day’ idea, and got on with planning the holiday.
So you can imagine my surprise when my in-laws gifted us afternoon tea for two, at Betty’s, in the centre of York. Betty’s is a York institution – the best of the best – and I was so excited to go there for their Festive Afternoon Tea.
Walking into Betty’s, we were welcomed into a friendly and festive atmosphere. A special gluten-free menu was already laid on the table. The Christmas tree was decked out with twinkly lights and baubles, and the pianist was serenading the room with a mix of classics (think The Beatles and Elvis) with the occasional Christmas tune thrown in. I’m pretty sure that if the whole room had been on the prosecco afternoon tea and not just regular tea, a good old singalong would have broken out.
There were a few differences between the ‘gluten-free’ and the ‘regular’ menu, but they’d managed to adapt most of the items to a gluten-free version. And, of course, there was bottomless tea!
The whole stand of gluten-free afternoon tea goodies was delicious – from the savoury bottom tier of sandwiches, quiche, and salad, to the scone with clotted cream and jam, right up to the top tier of cake.
The ‘regular’ menu featured a reindeer macaron, which in the gluten-free version was substituted with carrot cake. I had no complaints – it wasn’t just the best gluten-free carrot cake I’ve ever eaten; it was hands down the best carrot cake I’ve ever eaten, gluten-free or otherwise. It was absolutely divine.
This was just as well, because our server knew we were there to celebrate a birthday and brought out another small carrot cake with a candle in – whilst the pianist played ‘Happy Birthday’. I’m not a fan of being the centre of attention – but for more of that delicious carrot cake? I’ll take it.
It’s so rare and exciting to enjoy a treat like that and not feel like you’re making a compromise or missing out in some way. Sure the sandwich bread was a little different, the scone had a different flavour, and one of the cakes was different – but each layer was a delicious, decadent treat. I didn’t feel like I was compromising at all!
Betty’s was a warm, welcoming, ambient place, and I’d jump at the chance to go again. It was the most gorgeous birthday treat, for which I am hugely grateful – I felt completely spoiled, very satisfied, and felt absolutely no ill-effects – the perfect result!
York is a great destination for gluten-free travelers, with plenty of options that cater to dietary requirements without compromising on quality. From cosy lunch spots like Drift-In to elegant dining at The Cut & Craft, and once-in-a-while treats at Betty’s, there’s something for everyone.
My Gluten-Free Kitchen 
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