Over the last few years, Islington has really become a gluten free heaven! I know I always say that, but it’s almost ridiculous now and in the best possible way.Β Seriously every time I step outside of my front door, I seem to stumble onto something new to add to my everΒ expanding gluten free Islington list! Hence why it took me so long to pluck up the courage to make this guide as there’s just too much.
It all started when Artisan Gluten Free Bakery, formerlyΒ known as Romeo’s Gluten Free Bakery, opened their door on Upper Street a few years ago. I’m sure there were some gluten free friendly restaurants before that, but Artisan really kick started the 100% gluten free scene. We had just moved from Brixton,Β another gluten free gold mine, and were so sad to lose all our favourite gluten free hangouts… So we were excited when we spotted that “gluten free bakery opening soon” sign on the window.
The rest happened like a domino effect.
With completely gluten free places popping up here and there. Niche, Beyond Bread, Cookies & Scream, Brother Wolf, Pho, Etc. I just watch this unfold and can’t help but feel thatΒ us local gluten free people are being truly spoiled here. A few years ago I never thought I’d be able to have brunch in a cafe like a ‘normal’ person again, let alone have several options to choose from, right at my doorstep.Β ?
I feel so very lucky to be able to call this place home. AndΒ every time I think about theΒ house prices going up and up, I feel a twinge of sadness at the idea that I may be priced out of this little piece of gluten free paradise one day… But I plan on holding on and on as long as I can. ?
Wether you live in or are just travelling to London, Islington is certainly worth a visit and I’m sure you’ll see why from the list below. And since the list is long, I separated everything in different categories. Just click on the links below to jump to each section of the page.
UPDATE 2022
As I wrote this guide a few years ago, please bear in mind that some of these places may have closed or changed location since then. Always make sure to research online to double check that a place is still opened before making any plans! π
The 100% gluten free
The gluten free | Tried & Tested
The gluten free | Not Tried & Tested
Where to buy gluten free beer
The shops and supermarkets
Pubs & bars that serve gluten free beer
My gluten free Islington guide:
T H E Β 1 0 0 % Β G L U T E N Β F R E E
BEYOND BREAD – UPDATE: CLOSED
UPDATE (31.05.19): Beyond Bread has sadly PERMANENTLY CLOSED at this location.
Location:Β 267 Upper St, London N1 2UQ
The food: an endless list of amazing and completely gluten free options from sweet to savoury – cakes, sandwiches, salads, toasties, a delicious brunch menu, pizza… you name it, they have it!
Highlight: their honey cake! And French toasts.Β ?
Nearest tube station: Highbury & Islington (tube + overground)
G L U T E N Β Β F R E E
View full menu {here}
Read full review {here}
COOKIES & SCREAM
Location: 130 Holloway Rd, Highbury East, London N7 8JE
The food:Β Cookies & Scream is a completely gluten free and vegan bakery with tonnes of deliciously sweet options – cakes, doughnuts, cookies, milkshakes, etc.
Highlight:Β doughnut ice cream sandwich
Nearest tube station:Β Holloway Road + Highbury & IslingtonΒ (tube + overground)
G L U T E N Β Β F R E E Β Β * Β Β D A I R Y Β Β F R E E Β Β * Β Β V E G A N
For more info check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
WILD FOOD CAFE – UPDATE: CLOSED
Location: 269 – 270 Upper St, London N1 2UQ
The food:Β Wild Food Cafe is a gluten free, plant based and health orientated restaurant with plenty of creative versions of burgers, pizza, cakes, etc.
Highlight:Β The restaurant itself is very beautiful and stylish. The food is a bit overpriced in my opinion and wouldn’t be my number one gluten free choice in the area, but it’s a such a great place to stop by for a bite and a drink with a great atmosphere. P.S.: their desserts look amazing and they also serve alcohol.
Nearest tube station: Highbury & Islington (tube + overground)
Note:Β They told me they’re completely gluten free and plant based, but I also found this in the frequently asked questions on their website: “Q: I have a gluten allergy can I come?Β Absolutely, just let us know in advance! We donβt use any gluten products, however sometimes we use miso which technically contains gluten depends on how it is made.”. So make sure you double check before ordering, just in case.
G L U T E N Β Β F R E E Β Β * Β Β Β V E G A N
ROMEO’S SUGAR FREE BAKERY
Location: 178 Upper St, Islington, London N1 1RG
The food:Β Desserts, pastries, crepes + brunch and dinner menu | Completely free from gluten and refined sugar
Nearest tube station:Β Highbury & IslingtonΒ (tube + overground)
G L U T E N Β Β F R E E Β Β * Β Β S U G A R Β F R E E
For more info check out their website {here}
BROTHER WOLF – UPDATE: CLOSED
UPDATE: Brother Wolf has sadly permanently closed at this location.
Β Location:Β Nags Head Market (on Seven Sisters Road)
The food:Β a completely gluten free bakery/cafe/market stall with so many delicious options to choose from – cakes, sandwiches, panini, brunch options, quiches, salads, etc. They are completely gluten free, but also have some dairy free and vegan options.
Highlight:Β the panini!
Nearest tube station: Holloway Road
G L U T E N Β Β F R E E
Read full review {here}
NICHE
Location: 197-199 Rosebery Ave, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4TJ
The food:Β British comfort food
Highlight:Β NFC fried chicken
Nearest tube station: Angel
G L U T E N Β Β F R E E
For more info, check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
REAL PAELLA
Location: Chapel Market |Β 77-78 Chapel Market, London N1 9EX
The food:Β Spanish / paella
Opening times: Monday – closed, Tuesday to Saturday – 9am to 6pm, Sunday – 8:30am to 4pm
Nearest tube station: Angel
This is a completely gluten free stall located in Chapel market, just around the corner from Angel Central.
ARTISAN GLUTEN FREE BAKERY – UPDATE: CLOSED
Sadly Artisan Gluten Free Bakery recently closed its doors on Upper Street, but I kept it in this list for two reasons:
- To let people know about its closure as a lot of people don’t seem to be aware!
- To let you know they still sell some of their products around shops in the area, including Budgens and Whole Foods.
I hope Artisan isn’t gone for good and opens up at a different location one day, who knows…
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T H E Β G L U T E N Β F R E E Β F R I E N D L Y Β | Β T R I E D Β & Β T E S T E D
PHO
Location: 39 Upper St, London N1 0PN
Food:Β Vietnamese
Gluten free status:Β gluten free friendly + excellent knowledge of coeliac disease and cross contamination. In fact nearly everything on the menu is gluten free!
Highlight:Β it’s hard to say as everything is delish! I do hope they make the fried spring rolls gluten free again one day!
Nearest tube station: Angel
Home deliveries: yes
For more info, check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
TIERRA PERU
Location: 164 Essex Rd, London N1 8LY
Food:Β Peruvian
Gluten free status:Β gluten free friendly + excellent knowledge of coeliac disease and cross contamination. In fact I was told the owner herself is Coeliac! There are many gluten free options on the menu.
Nearest tube station: Angel + Highbury & Islington (tube + overground) + Essex Road (overground)
For more info, check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
BIRD
Location: 81 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LT
Food: fried chicken and chips with a choice of sauces and glazes
Gluten free status:Β gluten free friendly + excellent knowledge of cross contamination. All the fried chicken is prepared and cooked in a separate area away from gluten and no gluten goes into the chip fryer.
Highlight:Β coconut jerk and katsu curry sauces
Nearest tube station:Β Highbury & Islington (tube + overground)
Home deliveries: yes
For more info, check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
ROSA’S THAI CAFE
Location: 6 Theberton St, London N1 0QX (just off Upper Street)
Food: Thai
Gluten free status:Β gluten free friendly + excellent knowledge of cross contamination.
Highlight: RedΒ panang chicken curry
Nearest tube station:Β Angel + Highbury & Islington (tube + overground) + Essex Road (overground)
Home deliveries: yes
For more info, check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
AMIGOS – UPDATE: CLOSED
UPDATE: Amigos has sadly permanently closed at this location.
Location: 171 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LX
Food: Mexican (takeaway only)
Gluten free status:Β gluten free friendly + excellent knowledge of cross contamination + many gluten free options on the menu.
Highlight: braised pork quesadillas!
Nearest tube station:Β Highbury & Islington (tube + overground) + Holloway Road
Home deliveries: yes
For more info, check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
STINGRAY CAFE – UPDATE: CLOSED
Location: 135 Fortess Rd, London NW5 2HR
Food: Italian
Gluten free status:Β gluten free friendly + excellent knowledge of cross contamination + many gluten free options on the menu (from pizza to pasta to desserts, etc). So much so that the gluten free pizzas are cooked in a dedicated gluten free oven away from any gluten!
Highlight: delicious stone baked gluten free pizzas
Nearest tube station:Β Tufnell Park
Home deliveries: yes
For more info, check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
WAHACA
Location: 68-69 Upper St, London N1 0NY
Food: Mexican
Gluten free status:Β gluten free friendly + excellent knowledge of cross contamination + many gluten free options on the menu.
Highlight: Yucatecan grilled chicken and theΒ grilledΒ ancho chicken tacos
Nearest tube station:Β Angel
For more info, check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
COTE BRASSERIE – UPDATE: CLOSED
Location:Β 4-6 Islington Green, London N1 2XA
Food:Β French
Nearest Tube Station: Angel
Gluten free status: Excellent knowledge of gluten and cross-contaminationΒ | many gluten free options available | Coeliac UK approved.
For more information, check out their website {here} or their full menu {here}.
NANDO’S
Location: 324 Upper St, London N1 2XQ
Food: flame frilled peri peri chicken | African-Portuguese inspired
Gluten free status:Β gluten free friendly + excellent knowledge of cross contamination + many gluten free options on the menu.
Nearest tube station:Β Angel
Home deliveries: yes
For more info, check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
OA COMTAM
Location:Β 232 Holloway Rd, London N7 8DA
Food:Β Vietnamese
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options marked on the menu / but difficult communication with staff regarding cross-contamination. I have however eaten there a few times without problems.
Nearest tube station: Holloway Road
Read full review {here}
GONUTS
Location:Β 228 Holloway Rd, London N7 8DA (right next to Oa Comtam / ran by the same people)
Food:Β boba / bubble tea
Gluten free status:Β When I asked about gluten, the lady was happy to show me the ingredient labels of the different syrups and tapioca pearls. Everything looked fine and the added sugar is honey. I didnβt risk the other topping options like jellies, but the tapioca pearls are kept separate anyway. Iβm also not sure about the milk powder so just ask to see the ingredients of whatever interests you. I went for the lychee green tea with tapioca pearls and reduced sugar and it was yummy!
Nearest tube station: Holloway Road
THE TIFFIN TIN
Location:Β Tufnell Park, Hornsey, West Hampstead, Wanstead and Tottridge
Food:Β Indian takeaway
Gluten free status:Β excellent knowledge of gluten and cross-contamination | safe for Coeliacs
Highlight:Β unlike many Indian restaurants, they even use a separate clay oven for the bread meaning the tandoori dishes are safe!
For more information, you can check out their website {here} or view their full menu {here}.
View my full review {here}
BREWHOUSE & KITCHEN
Locations: Multiple locations around the UK – find the full list {here}
Food:Β Microbrewery / pub chain
Tried & Tested:Β Highbury
Nearest Tube Station:Β Highbury & Islington
Gluten free status:Β great knowledge of gluten and cross-contamination | safe for Coeliacs.
Bonus:Β They have a good selection of gluten free beers including First Chop, Brewdog Vaguabond, Sadlers, Mongozo.
For more information, you can check out their website {here}.
ITSU
Location: N1 Centre, 21 Parkfield St, Islington, Unit 2, London N1 0PS
Food: Japanese fast food / takeaway — sushi, soups, snacks, etc.
Gluten free status:Β gluten free friendly + excellent knowledge of cross contamination
Highlight: Classic Chicken noodle soup
Nearest tube station:Β Angel
For more info, check out their website {here}
YAK & YETI
Location:
Food:Β Nepalese & Indian
Gluten free status:Β gluten free friendly + excellent knowledge of cross contamination
Highlight: Hariyali chicken + chicken chettinad
Nearest tube station:Β Finsbury Park
Home deliveries: yes — so technically this restaurant isn’t in Islington, but they do deliver around the area!
For more info, check out their website {here}
Read full review {here}
MCDONALD’S
Location:Β 251-252 Upper St, London N1 1RU (+ a few other locations)
Food:Β always ask to make sure as things can vary from branch to branch, but the fries are gluten free (no gluten goes into the same fryers). There are some other options available as well, such as some of the burgers when ordered without the buns.
Gluten free status: many coeliacs happily eat burgers without the bun (or bring their own buns). Personally I’m a bit wary of cross-contamination at McDonald’s and choose to only eat the fries, but the option is there for those who are willing to risk it or for those who are gluten for other health or medical reasons.
Nearest tube station:Β Highbury & Islington
For more info, check out the allergens menu on their website {here}
CHIPOTLE
Location:Β 334 Upper St, London N1 0PB
Food:Β Mexican fast-food
Highlight: the burrito bowl all the way
Gluten free status: good knowledge of cross-contamination | safe for Coeliacs
Nearest tube station: Angel
Virtually everything on the menu is gluten free except the wheat wraps. They were recently accredited by Coeliac UK and are well trained to avoid cc. Just make sure you tell the person serving you about your dietary requirements. They put on new clean gloves and use a different cheese container for gluten free orders. Also make sure the person serving you doesn’t pass the bowl to another employee (with gluten contaminated gloves) in the process.
WETHERSPOONS (3 locations)
Locations: 1) The Coronet (nearest station: Holloway Road), 2) The Angel (nearest station: Angel) and 3) The White Swan (nearest station: Highbury & Islington)
Food: inexpensive pub food
Gluten free status: gluten free options available. They usually have a good knowledge of cross-contamination, but it may vary from branch to branch so always question them first. Most of the food isn’t actually cooked in Wetherspoons and is simply re-heated which minimises risks of cross contamination.
Check out their gluten free menu {here}
COSTA
Location: multiple locations
For more info, check out their website {here}
STARBUCKS
Location:
Highlight: their new panini!
For more info, check out their website {here}
PRET A MANGER
Location:Β 27 Islington High St, London N1 9LH
Nearest tube station:Β Angel
For more info, check out their website {here}
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G L U T E N Β F R E E Β F R I E N D L Y Β | Β N O T Β T R I E D Β & Β T E S T E D
I don’t feel comfortable recommending restaurants I’ve never personally tried (especially to fellow Coeliacs), but I wanted to include these here so you can know what’s out there in Islington. Some of these do have great reviews and sound promising while some are possibly more suited for the non-coeliacs. I’ll keep updating this post as I get to try more of them.
And if you’ve tried any of these, let me know your thoughts in the comments below! π
CARLUCCIO’S – UPDATE: CLOSED
Location:Β 305-307 Upper St, London N1 2TU
Food:Β Italian
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options / good feedback from Coeliacs
CABANA – UPDATE: CLOSED
Location:Β 56 Upper St, London N1 0NY
Food:Β Brazilian
Gluten free status: gluten free options / good feedback from Coeliacs
PIZZA EXPRESS
Location:Β
Food: Pizzeria
Gluten free status: gluten free options / generally good feedback from Coeliacs (but it seems to depend on the branch).
THE GATE
Location:Β 370 St John St, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4NN
Food:Β Vegetarian / Vegan
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unsure about cross-contamination
THE TACO STAND
Location:Β 21 Chapel Market, London N1 9EZ
Food: Mexican (food stall in Chapel Market)
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unsure about cross-contamination
LA PORCHETTA – UPDATE: CLOSED
Location:Β 141-142 Upper St, London N1 1QY
Food:Β Italian
Gluten free status:Β gluten free pizza & pasta available / unknown cross-contamination risks
THE REGENT
Location:Β 201-203 Liverpool Rd, London N1 1LX
Food:Β pizzeria / pub / takeaway
Gluten free status:Β gluten free beer & pizza available / unknown cross-contamination risks
HOLY COW
Location:Β 98, Angel, Chapel Market, London N1 9EY
Food:Β Indian takeaway
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unknown cross-contamination risks
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
Location:Β 31 Camden Passage, London N1 8EA
Food:Β English & American breakfasts + comfort foods
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unknown cross-contamination risks
Nearest tube station: Angel
FIVE GUYS
Location:Β 71 Upper St, London N1 0NY
Food:Β burgers & fries fast-food
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unknown cross-contamination risks
ZIA LUCIA
Location:Β 157 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LX
Food: Italian / pizzeria
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / but sadly not safe for coeliacs – apparently their gluten free pizza is amazing though so if you’re not a coeliac / don’t need to be careful with cross-contamiantion, then give this place a go.
Nearest tube station: Holloway Road + Highbury & Islington
APOLLO RESTAURANT
Location:Β
Food:Β Greek
Gluten free status: gluten free options available / I haven’t tried them yet, but they sounded very clued up and confident when I questioned them.
Nearest tube station: Holloway Road + Finsbury Park
JAMIE’S ITALIAN
Location:Β 409-411 St John Sreet, North Retail, Angel Building, London EC1V 4AB
Food:Β Italian
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unknown cross-contamination risks
Nearest tube station: Angel
PIZZA HUT
Location: 169 Upper St, London N1 1RG
Food: gluten free pizza
Gluten free status:Β although Pizza Hut has gluten free options available and are accredited by Coeliac Uk, they are questionable for Coeliacs. Many report getting glutened from them and I suspect it depends on the branch, but be careful if you are a Coeliac.
Nearest tube station: Highbury & Islington
DOMINOS
Location:Β multiple locations
Food: gluten free pizza
Gluten free status: same as Pizza Hut, DominosΒ has gluten free options available and are accredited by Coeliac Uk, but they are questionable for Coeliacs. Many report getting glutened from them and I suspect it depends on the branch, but be careful if you are a Coeliac.
MASALA ZONE
Location:Β 80 Upper St, London N1 0NU
Food:Β Indian
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unknown cross-contamination risks
THE HUMMINGBIRD BAKERY
Location:Β 405 St John St, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4AB
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unknown cross-contamination risks
Nearest tube station: Angel
BANANA TREE
Location:Β
Food:Β Indo-Chinese
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unknown cross-contamination risks
Nearest tube station: Angel
ASK ITALIAN
Location:Β 52 Upper St, London N1 0PN
Food: modern Italian
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unknown cross-contamination risks
PIEBURY CORNER
Location:Β 209-211 Holloway Rd, London N7 8DL
Food:Β pies – takeaway or eat in
Gluten free status: gluten free pies available / unknown cross-contamination risks
Nearest tube station: Holloway Road + Highbury & Islington
TOOTOOMOO
Location:Β
Food: Asian fusion
Gluten free status:Β gluten free options available / unknown cross-contamination risks
Nearest tube station: Highbury & Islington
FIREZZA
Location:Β
Food: pizzeria / takeaway
Gluten free status:Β gluten free pizza available / unknown cross-contamination risks
Nearest tube station: Highbury & Islington
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W H E R E Β T Β O Β B U Y Β G L U T E N Β F R E E Β B E E R
These aren’t exactly in Islington, but close enough and well worth a visit for the gluten free beer lovers who live in the area.
KRIS WINES – UPDATE: CLOSED
Location:Β 394 York Way, London N7 9LW
Nearest tube station: Caledonian Road + Holloway Road
This place a several different gluten free beers. Some clearly labelled and some not so just ask and they’ll tell you everything they have in stock at the moment.
INDIEBEER
Location:Β 322 Holloway Rd, London N7 6NJ
Nearest tube station: Holloway Road
This place even has the two best gluten free beers (in my opinion): Fantasma IPA and Bad Kitty vanilla porter.
CLAPTON CRAFT
Location #1:Β
Nearest tube station: Finsbury Park
Location #2:Β 326 Kentish Town Rd, London NW5 2TH
Nearest tube station: Tufnell Park + Kentish Town
Last I checked this place had every single flavours of First Chop among other things.
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T H E Β S H O P S Β & Β S U P E R M A R K E T S
There’s a huge selection of shops and supermarkets in the area so definitely no shortage of gluten free products around.
WAITROSE
Location: multiple locations
MARKS & SPENCER
Location:Β 5 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0RR
SAINSBURY’S
Location: multiple locations – – – main one:Β 31-41 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0RW
TESCO
Location: multiple locations
MORRISONS
Location:Β 10 Hertslet Rd, London N7 6PL
It’s technically in Holloway, but it’s a large one with a huge gluten free section so it’s worth the trip.
BUDGENS
Location:Β 213-215 Upper St, London N1 1RL
This one even sells Artisan Gluten Free Bakery products like croissants!
HOLLAND & BARRET
Location: multiple locations
PLANET ORGANIC
Location:Β 64 Essex Rd, London N1 8LR
PRICKLY PEAR
Location:Β 148 Seven Sisters Rd, London N7 7PL
This little shops has lots of gluten free products. It’s not technically in Islington as it’s closer to Finsbury Park, but it’s close enough.
HING YIP (Chinese supermarket)
Location:Β 88 Holloway Rd, Highbury East, London N7 8JG
HUA RUN (Chinese supermarket)
Location:Β 122 Seven Sisters Rd, London N7 6AE
Both of these Chinese supermarkets have a tonne of gluten free products from rice noodles, rice wraps, naturally gluten free soy sauces (like Datu Puti, which is much cheaper than the mainstream supermarkets), curry pastes, sauces, mochi… they even have some gluten free Shaohsing wine!
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P U B S Β & Β B A R S Β T H A T Β S E R V E Β G L U T E N Β F R E E Β B E E R
There are probably more pubs that serve gluten free beer, but these are just the ones I’ve personally noticed. And the best is by far House of Hammerton! Let me know in the comments if you know of any other. π
HOUSE OF HAMMERTON
Location:Β 99 Holloway Rd, London N7 8LT
Nearest tube station: Highbury & Islington (3 mins) + Holloway Road (9 mins)
That Sadler’s Dakota IPA is one of of my favourites so far.
THE CASTLE
Location:Β 54 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9HF
Nearest tube station: Angel
THE REGENT
Location:Β 201-203 Liverpool Rd, London N1 1LX
Nearest tube station: Angel + Highbury & Islington
THE SWIMMERS ARMS
Location:Β
Nearest tube station: Holloway Road
WETHERSPOONS
Location: 3 different locations
Nearest tube station: Holloway Road + Highbury & Islington + Angel
BIG RED
Location:Β 385 Holloway Rd, London N7 0RY
Nearest tube station: Holloway Road
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Thanks so much for this. I’m coming to London soon and I was going to go to Beyond Bread in Islington. I didn’t realise there’s so much there! I’ll have to stick around for dinner as well.
Hope you enjoy it! There’s definitely a lot to choose from. π
I live close by but I didn’t know about most of these places! Cheers!
That’s great! Islington really is amazing, such a great spot for eating out!
Do you know anywhere else that serves gluten-free beer in London? Let us know in the comments below.