The Gluten Free Cafe, Norwich

I have to admit, I think I need to eat a little gluten free humble pie. I was sceptical when I heard that Norwich was getting a dedicated gluten free cafe. Even more so when I heard it was going to be called 'The Gluten Free Cafe'. I thought there would be nowhere near the demand in my adoptive home city. I thought that the name would make anyone who had no need to follow a gluten free diet run a mile.  However, a few weeks after opening my wife and I had to wait for a table on a Friday lunch time and every time I've been in since it's been busy. I really hope it stays that way because this place is an absolute gem for coeliacs and gluten sufferers.

The cafe is located downstairs and upstairs you'll find a shop which is like an Aladdin's cave of gluten free products. On the cafe menu, there's a whole host of usually 'off-limits' options including sausage rolls, cheesy dough balls, pies and pasties. There's also salads and soups on offer and a mouthwatering selection of cakes. I went for a pie filled with chicken and ham with a stuffing topping. Delicious pastry stuffed with well cooked meat and a tasty stuffing flavour really hit the spot. My wife's cheese and onion pasty was equally good and definitely on my list for next time. We took a couple of millionaire shortbreads back to the office which were faultless. Having this place a stone's throw from work could be dangerous! I have since tried a slice of their Bakewell tart which was as good as any I've tasted. It was my favourite dessert at school so I had fond memories (pre-gluten free days) and I really wouldn't have been able to tell this was gluten free. They sell a great selection of breads in the shop too which I've been getting weekly, much better than anything the supermarkets currently stock. I'm really pleased it seems to be doing so well and if they keep up the good work I'm sure it will continue.