However over the years things have certainly changed and having been a couple of times in the space of a few months I have never had trouble eating out and found some truly amazing places.
Some of the places on this list I haven't tried yet but they have been suggested on our where to eat guide and also on social media by other Coeliacs. So here are 19+ places that you could eat at in London.
Only opening in October 2021 this is still a very new one but you must go and try their croissants! With loads of sweet treats, toasties and pastries plus things to take out like bread, granola and cereals this is a must on any Coeliacs list. The croissants are the best I have had!
Niche - Islington Near Angel tube station
This restaurant is raved about so much but so far I haven't managed to get to it. As well as being 100% gluten free, it has grown infamous in the Coeliac community for its southern fried chicken. Definitely one worth checking out if you are over by Islington
Indigo at One Aldwych - Covent Garden Between Temple and Covent Garden tube stations
Far from being on the cheap side, this is a special occasion type place. They do all kinds of completely gluten free afternoon teas, not long ago they had a Chocolate Factory themed one. They also do an evening meal menu perfect for if you are going the theatre.
If you love ice cream you need to try Grom. We went in the freezing cold and rain and stood outside eating it like crazy people. All the ice creams, cookie toppings and waffle cups and cones are completely gluten free. The hot chocolate is amazing too!
Cookies and Scream - Islington Short walk from Highbury and Islington tube station
Originally in Camden market until there was a fire a few years ago, this 100% gluten free and vegan bakery do the most amazing ice cream cookie sandwiches and milk shakes. They also do savoury dishes, pastries and cakes...of course all gluten free and vegan!
Station 26 - Brixton By Brixton over ground railway station
A completely gluten free fusion restaurant, not one I have yet tried but heard so much about. It offers all kinds of dishes from brunch to duck pancakes and burgers, all of it gluten free. They have lots of vegan options too so great if you need that too.
On a Wednesday through to Sunday Free From Bakehouse are on Borough Market, completely gluten free and also free from other allergens too, they sell cake, bread and all sorts of delicious goodies!
Pearl and Groove - Farringdon 10 Mins from Farringdon over ground station
Pearl and groove have loads of cakes you can order online and pick up from their cake shop or you can simply choose there. You can eat in at their cake shop where they have cake, ice cream and even gifts available to buy with a few tables outside or they have a lovely park at the back of them, so you could go for a picnic!
Romeos Sugar and Gluten Free Bakery - Islington Near Highbury and Islington tube station
London's first completely gluten and sugar free bakery, Romeos has an amazing brunch menu as well as an entirely gluten free beer menu, definitely a must try while in London if you are around that area!
So Leadbellys menu is 98% gluten free, basically everything is gluten free they just offer none gluten free buns as well as gluten free for burgers. We had a fantastic meal there nothing is too much trouble even when it was a mega busy saturday night! Worth the travel out from the main part of the city.
Utter Waffle - Herne Hill Pretty much next to to Herne Hill over ground station
I have yet to try but they sound INCREDIBLE. At utter waffle all waffle batter is gluten free, they are around 98% gluten free, just a topping or two that isn't gluten free, otherwise you can choose pretty much anything off the menu. They do both sweet and savoury waffles that look amazing!
Honest Burger - Multiple Locations
There are a good 20+ branches of Honest Burger in London (and the odd few outside London too). Around 90% of their menu is gluten free, they do regular burger buns as well as gluten free just need to ask them to switch other than that pretty much all the burgers are good. Definitely worth a visit
Where The Pancakes Are - Fitzrovia Near Goodge Street tube station
Around 90% gluten free all the pancake batter is gluten free at Where The Pancakes Are, similar to Utter Waffle it is just a topping or too which aren't gluten free. If you want to try some pancakes definitely a place to visit.
Farmancy - Notting Hill Between Bayswater and Royal Oak tube stations
90% of the menu at Farmancy is gluten free there are just a few options that aren't and they have a range of things to try from breakfasts to evening meals.
An authentic Italian, the owner is Coeliac and all the staff have amazing understanding. Pretty much the whole menu has a gluten free equivalent, except Calzone. From pasta and pizza to decadent desserts and bread bowls they really are one you must try.
Lolas Cupcakes - Multiple Locations across London
Lolas usually have at least one gluten free cake available especially in the bigger stores rather than the kiosks. They can also be ordered online for collection at their lockers.
Mayfair Chippy - Mayfair Between Bond Street and Marble Arch tube station
Mayfair chippy have separate fryers and have a good range for Coeliacs, not the cheapest but it is Mayfair after all!
A lovely place for gluten free fish and chips they staff are lovely and assured me when I went that they cooked gluten free separately. They had a good range of chip shop meals plus lighter things like salads and they also had some lovely desserts too.
Rosas Thai - Multiple Locations
There are a fair few Rosas over London all of which offer gluten free, they have a large variety and from what I have heard they have good understanding of Coeliac too.
If you are going to the theatre Bella Italia is central to most of the theatres. We went to see Frozen the Musical (twice (absolutely amazing)) and also Matilda (worth a watch if you haven't seen it). We went to Bella Italia each time as there is a big one on Wellington Street, they are fantastic when it comes to gluten free.
These are just a few nationwide chains who offer gluten free, that may want to note, that have branches in London -
Zizzi - gluten free pizza and pasta
Bills - lovely gluten free menus for breakfast and evening - we went for breakfast no less than 4 times everyday they were fantastic and so much choice. In February they had pancakes but they aren't always on, they were amazing!
Nandos - As long as its not in a pita or bun you are good, staff always knowledgeable and the manager will put your order though and make sure kitchen are aware.
Cote Brasserie - Coeliac UK accredited, small gluten free breakfast menu and an evening menu
Leon - loads of these in London, they are classed as "healthy fast food", most meals are gluten free plus they do gluten free buns and chicken nuggets.
Is there anywhere in London you have eaten at? Let us know below and we will add it to our where to eat guide.