Top 5: Gluten-Free Breakfasts in LondonBy Alexandra Dudley
Five years ago, I would seriously have struggled to choose 5 places in London to go for a good gluten-free breakfast. I would have scraped together a sad list of anywhere that served fruit salad with yoghurt; hardly the most exciting thing for a meal out, especially when surrounded by stacks of pancakes dripping in syrup.
Today is a whole different affair. Now some of the best breakfasts in London are gluten-free. The words ‘gluten-free’ are now everywhere; supermarkets have ‘free from’ aisles and even Costa Coffee have created gluten-free versions of the nation’s favourites, including brownies, bakewell tarts and cookies. A Londoner all my life, gluten-free since the age of fifteen and having just launched my own 100% organic, vegan, gluten and dairy free health food brand Punch Foods this ‘Free From Revolution’ suits me right down to the ground.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and a great meal to go out for; it’s lighter on the pockets than a snazzy dinner, can be just as special. Here are a few of my favourite gluten-free breakfasts in London, let’s talk coffee:
1. Best Gluten-Free Granola: The Retreat Café, Fulham
Breakfast
BreakfastThe Lowdown: Dubbed Fulham’s best kept secret, the Retreat Cafe is a real gem. There is always heaps to choose from; with a friendly and serene vibe, all the gluten-free breakfasts are delicious. You can sit at the beautiful wooden centre table or relax at the bar and enjoy freshly brewed organic coffee, teas and delicious matcha lattes. Just a two minute walk from Parsons Green tube, it’s the perfect place to grab a nourishing breakfast before heading off to work.
What to Order: Avocado on toast, carrot and walnut muffins, homemade granola with yogurt or a milk of your choice (almond and soya for those who are dairy-free). They also served freshly baked banana bread, tahini granola bars… You’ll want to try the lot.
The Idea: It’s sister to the wonderful Power Yoga Company, so you could even squeeze in a sunrise yoga session. I highly recommend this. Their granola is dangerously addictive. Thankfully they also bag it up and sell it so you can enjoy The Retreat at home too.
Top tip: Beat the rush and pre-order your juice before heading into class, it will be ready for you when you come out and you won’t have to wait.
Photos by Ed Pereira
Retreat Cafe is at First Floor Glasshouse, 11-12 Lettice Street SW6 4EH. Retreat Café is also opening up an exciting new location on Kingly Street so you’ll be able to get your Retreat fix in Soho too.
2. Best Gluten-Free Eggs Benedict – The Good Life Eatery, Chelsea Break
fast
fastThe Lowdown: This place opened less than a year ago and has been a honey pot for all the healthy bees out there ever since. The Good Life Eatery prides itself on being London’s first cold-pressed juice bar; a hydraulic press gently extracts the natural fruit and vegetable juices resulting in a deliciously pulp-free juice bursting with phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals.
What to Order: It’s always the Skinny Eggs Benedict for me. With a choice of German rye bread or gluten-free toast, roast baby tomatoes, sliced avocado, fresh basil pesto (literally to die for), two poached eggs and a saffron yogurt sauce, it’s a great combination of healthy fats and protein. I’m dairy intolerant so have mine without the yogurt sauce, which they’re more than happy to cater for: a free-from girl’s dream.
Other Wins: More favourites include the Clean and Lean Bowl: a mix of sweet potatoes, quinoa, kale, poached eggs and pesto and the Acai Bowl, a bright purple acai berry infused smoothie, bursting with antioxidants and served with buckwheat (wheat-free) granola. Ultimate gluten-free breakfast comfort food.
Top Tip: Try the Choc Norris smoothie; a mix of banana, almond milk, maca, raw cacao and cacao nibs. It’s high in protein and full of goodness, ideal if you are in a rush.
Good Life Eatery is at 59 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DH
3. Best Gluten-Free Breakfast on the Go: Roots & Bulbs, Marylebone
The Lowdown: Although primarily a juice bar this place definitely deserves a mention for its epic smoothies. Each one is wonderfully substantial, ideal for when you’ve got an early start in central London and aren’t quite ready for a proper meal.
What to Order: My absolute favourite has to be ‘The Boss’ containing coconut water, coconut meat, avocado, banana and cocoa powder; I would have this any time of the day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ‘All Day Breakfast’ made with almond milk, almond butter, banana, cacao nibs and oats is creamy, smooth and nutty all at the same time – it’s great for on the go.
Try This: If you are feeling adventurous go for my boyfriend’s favourite: ‘Green Active’ – containing spirulina and chilli flakes.It’s an unusual combination and don’t worry, the chilli wont burn your head off – it’s tamed down with creamy avocado and yogurt.
Top Tip: Roots and Bulbs also serve delicious cold pressed juices freshly made every day. Try the G1 for a full on green veggie fix.
Roots and Blubs is at 5 Thayer Street, Marylebone, London, W1U 3JG
4. Best Raw Gluten-Free Breakfast – Nama Foods, Notting Hill
The Lowdown: Nama Foods has just moved into its new premises in Notting Hill. Not only is it gluten free, it’s also dairy-free, vegan and raw. Wondering what you can eat? Prepare to be amazed…
What to Order: I went for the raw sprouted buckwheat gluten-free granola with home-made almond milk, goji berries and fresh fruit, which is great as a sweet gluten-free breakfast. The almond milk was divine and my ‘Internal Harmony’ juice, a mix of carrot, ginger and tumeric, was just the ticket to starting a great day.
Other Wins: Raw coconut porridge topped with hemp seed, cacao nibs and goji berries and walnut pancakes topped with banana ‘ice cream’ with frozen banana, maple syrup and star anise almond crumble is amazing. I am dying to go back for the pancakes and some more of their almond milk: the best I have ever tasted.
Top Tip: Head here for lunch or dinner and don’t forget to try their gluten-free raw chocolate ganache tart.
Nama Foods is at 110 Talbot Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 1JR
5. Best Quick Gluten-Free Breakfast – Leon, London
The Lowdown: ‘Naturally fast food’ is Leon’s tagline and that is exactly what it is. Good food, great service, you can be in and out in five minutes. The menu is fantastically clear with GF, DF, WF and V clearly printed next to every menu option as it applies.
What to Order: Their poached egg pots are one step off genius. Nine out of the ten choices are gluten free and the combinations are delicious. From classic baked beans to chorizo and truffle gruyere, you are spoilt for choice. I generally go for the smoked salmon and avocado option – it never lets me down. Don’t be put off by the pot, the egg yolk is perfectly runny and the avocado is always deliciously ripe. The portions are smallish but fair priced with an average of £3.00. I have been known to have two in one go.
Other Wins: Another one to try is their smoked mackerel kedgeree topped pot, the rice adds a bit more fibre and mackerel is a great way of getting your healthy omegas in essential for healthy skin, hair and nails.
Top Tip: Leon is a great healthy go-to lunch option if you are pushed for time. Their superfood salads are wonderfully nutritious and their sides are delicious. Don’t miss out on the crushed peas snack pot.
Leon has locations conveniently placed all over London. Check their website to find one close to you.
Photos of Retreat Cafe by the wonderfully talented Ed Pereira, see more of his work here.
