'If you have a dairy or gluten allergy/intolerance and are looking for places to eat and drink in and around York, UK then this blog post is for you!'
Finding places that take food allergies, intolerances and preferences seriously is pretty hard to come by. Then finding a menu with different choices is virtually non-existent and it can make travelling as a foodie pretty disheartening.
Therefore, on my travels I want to share with you some of my favourite places that I have found along the way. Today we are looking at options in and near the City of York, UK.
Plus, at the end of this blog post I will share with you the places/attractions that you should visit and a great town about 30 minutes from York that you should book your accommodation!
York City Centre
After much research, Bailey's an independent cafe a short distance from the Train station and Abbey appeared to offer the best menu.
Image of Cocoa Joe's and Bailey's Cafe, York (UK)
It surpassed my expectations and here is why:
A great gluten free menu (see image).
Accomodating with Gluten and Dairy intolerance, they had dairy free spread.
Tasty food and drink.
The staff were lovely.
There was no feeling of being rushed as people were sat enjoying a drink while reading their newspaper.
They did things properly with proper tea pots, tea trays and a mint on payment.
Not sure about free from dessert/cakes as the cakes on display were not labelled.
Toilets available.
I would definitely go back to Bailey's as the food was delicious and the staff were really friendly. I felt rested, full and refreshed when I left. A sign of a good meal is that you think about it after you have left...I keep thinking about that meal!
Cocoa Joe's
Cocoa Joe's is right next to Bailey's and is another independent cafe that has spectacular customer service and a hot chocolate menu like no other. I came across Cocoa Joe's after typing hot chocolate York into Google and this place came up first with a review saying 'the best hot chocolate I have ever had'. This had me curious as a big quality hot chocolate lover!
Image of Cocoa Joe's Hot Chocolate Menu, York (UK)
Why was it so good?
High quality hot chocolate that tasted devine.
A hot chocolate experience without the price tag.
Staff very helpful in helping to select the perfect chocolate for you (dark, milk & white - in a wide range of levels and origins). Free samples given to help you to decide.
Multiple free from milks available with no additional charge!
Multiple flavours and topping available, from banana and ginger or lavender and chai. Flavouring and toppings were a reasonable price.
Lots of seats and a nice airy cafe in a good location.
Toilet available.
Image of Peru Chocolate, Oat Milk & Ginger Hot Chocolate from Cocoa Joe's, York (UK)
I loved my experience at Cocoa Joe's. The lovely staff member assisted me in creating a lovely dark chocolate, ginger and oat milk hot chocolate. I then sat and enjoyed my chocolate from start to finish while writing in my travel journal.
Extra Information
I highly recommend that you leave Bailey's or Cocoa Joe's and walk along the riverside to the free museum gardens. They are worth a walk around and would be the ideal spot for a rest or picnic.
Image from Museum Gardens, York
Then head from there along the city walls towards Treasurer's House (National Trust House in York), as the views over the walls are beautiful with the Abbey and dreamy gardens.
Images taken on York City Walls Walk from Museum Gardens to Treasurer's National Trust House
If you are a National Trust member a guided tour around Treasurer's House is a must! It is a house that I felt I could have moved into today with its lovely decor and garden.
Image of Treasurer's House National, York (UK)
Just Outside of York
Next to Monks Cross Park and Ride a short ride out of the centre of York is a cinema with lots of chain restaurants. The two that cater for allergies and intolerances are Vallado Lounge (part of the lounge group) and Nando's.
Vallado Lounge
If you are Gluten free, Dairy free or Vegan then this is a great place to go. If you order on your phone you are also able to remove certain ingredients from your meal and write a note to the chef.
What is so good about the Vallado Lounge?
Specific gluten free and vegan menu with a lot of choice.
Ability to add and remove things from your meal and ability to add a note for the chef.
Healthier, balanced meal options.
Dessert options.
Relaxed atmosphere, enjoy playing board games.
Toilet available.
Nando's
While Nando's isn't the healthiest it isn't the worst either. They have a good policy to protect their customers who have intolerances and allergies.
Pros of Nando's
Tasty meal options with ability to adapt for allergies and intolerances.
Not the healthiest but not the worst. Most meals contain protein, fat (chicken/might peas), carbohydrates (chips) and fibre (peas or corn on the cob).
Toilet available.
Cons of Nando's
A more limited free from menu
After your meal why not visit the cinema, go bowling or have a round of mini golf. There are also a few large shops, including Marks and Spencer (with food hall) and Next.
Not booked your accommodation yet?
If you are planning a longer trip away I highly recommend staying in Pickering a small pretty town 30 minutes from York.
Image of Pickering town centre, Yorkshire (UK)
There is a large Coop with a good free from isle and late opening hours.
It is also the final stop of the North Moors Railway a lovely service run by friendly volunteers that stops in a range of places including Goathland and Whitby.
Image of Goathland Train Station, Yorkshire (UK).
If you get your timings right you can ride the steam train. Just pay for your annual pass and ride the train as much as you like.
I highly recommend a stop at Goathland. The station was used as Hogsmead Station in the making of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In the centre of the village you will also walk past the Adensfield Arms and the garage from Heartbeat (TV Series).
Image of Goathland Village Centre, Yorkshire (UK)
If you have a good footwear and balance a trip to the waterfall is a must. It does require you to climb over large rocks to see the waterfall but if you can it is a very relaxing and grounding experience.
Do you have an of your own recommendations?
I hope that you have found this post useful and if you know of any other food and drink spots in and around York that offer good free from options leave a comment.
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