Exploring a new (and huge) city like London can feel pretty daunting, but we found it surprisingly easy to fit in a number of different cuisines in the space of a 36-hour whirlwind visit. We were lucky enough to discover some amazing gluten-free spots (as well as some we’re not in a hurry to go back to). Here are our highlights…
Farm Girl (Portobello Road)
We knew we wouldn’t be short of gluten-free lunch spots around Notting Hill, but Farm Girl was one of the highest recommended. When we stepped into the little alleyway leading to Farm Girl, we realized we might have a wait on our hands but hoped it would be worth it.
It was a busy spot, with waiting staff keeping the queue moving and seeing to tables inside and in the courtyard. We were offered the chance to be seated more quickly outside, but it was a drizzly, chilly day, so we waited a few minutes longer for an indoor table.
Once inside, we were seen to pretty quickly, and I went for the gluten-free pancakes with cherries and coconut yogurt. The pancakes looked quite small when they arrived but were surprisingly filling. The cherries and coconut yogurt were the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and creamy. The pancakes themselves were light, crisp, and buttery—a perfect base for the toppings.
As you’d expect from a restaurant in the middle of Portobello Road, this lunch was a little pricey, but with people queuing even at 3 in the afternoon (well after lunchtime), the prices seemed fair.
Bo’deans (Soho)
Having spent our honeymoon earlier this year traveling between Tennessee and Louisiana, we fell in love with barbecue and jumped at the chance to visit Bo’deans during our time in London.
We visited the Soho location on a busy Saturday night, but it never felt frantic or rushed. We took our time enjoying cocktails and a meal and even ordered dessert. Gluten-free items are clearly marked on the menu, which narrows down the choices and makes it easier to know what’s safe to order. I like when these things are clearly marked—it takes the stress out of ordering.
I went for the ‘Classic Duo’ (brisket burnt ends and pulled pork), which took me right back to Memphis. I paired it with a spicy margarita and followed with a gluten-free chocolate brownie. The pudding was a pretty average brownie, but if you’re ever in Soho and looking for barbecue, Bo’deans has you covered.
Darcie May (Paddington)
No holiday is complete unless I’ve been on a boat, and Darcie May (on a canal boat just behind Paddington Station) definitely ticks the box.
It has a cosy, intimate vibe (obviously, canal boats are hardly known for their capriciousness), making it feel more like you’re having brunch on your mate’s boat rather than a cafe or restaurant (in a good way)!
Gluten free items are clearly marked on the menu, and our server was happy to answer questions about what could be adapted.
I went for the avocado toast with extra bacon – the portions were generous, and everything tasted fresh and vibrant. Every bite was delicious – and washed down with hot, strong coffee.
This local, London chain has a few locations scattered around the city (on land and water), and I’d be keen to try out different locations to see how they compare.
Brother Marcus (South Kensington)
The day we were meant to fly home, a storm battered London, and our flight was cancelled. Finding ourselves with a bonus day, we left our cases in an airport hotel and headed back into the city to find lunch and a way to spend the afternoon.
In South Kensington, near the museums, we popped out of the Underground and stumbled upon Brother Marcus. It was a busy Sunday afternoon, and we didn’t think we’d get a table, but within minutes, we were seated—a promising start!
The menu is Eastern Mediterranean-inspired, with flavours ranging from hummus and harissa to pistachio and rose. Gluten-free items were clearly marked, which narrowed down my options to avocado toast or fried chicken.
Having started the day with avocado toast at Darcie May, I went for the chicken rosti: fried chicken, potato rosti, fried eggs, and sweet chili sauce. The dish was tasty and rich without being greasy or heavy.
With limited options, it wasn’t the perfect brunch spot for a gluten-free diner, but I really enjoyed my meal. I’d happily eat here again, though I might tire of the same dishes if I lived locally.
Arancina (Notting Hill)
When we looked up “gluten-free pizza” near where we were staying in Paddington, Arancina in Notting Hill came highly rated—some reviews called it the best gluten-free pizza they’d ever eaten. If this sounds too good to be true, it is.
The pizza was fine, very average, and while it filled a gap, I’m not in a hurry to rush back. At the counter, we noticed a few pizzas available by the slice, but it wasn’t clear which were gluten-free. It turned out that any pizza could be ordered gluten-free but had to be made fresh. That wasn’t a problem—we weren’t in a hurry and were happy it was being made fresh.
We also picked up a couple of arancini. Having spent eight months living in Italy, I LOVE arancini and was excited to try them gluten-free for the first time—but these were nothing to write home about. Like the pizza, they were fine, but the online reviews overhyped this place.
In a pinch, this is a safe enough place to eat gluten-free pizza, but I learned not to trust every glowing review!
London is an enormous city, with a huge number of options to suit all different dietary requirements and tastes. We had just over 36 hours in the city, and managed to try quite a few different spots and cuisines. As always, and with any location, do your research and trust your gut.
My Gluten-Free Kitchen 
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