The Gluten Free Food & Drink Guide

Tastes is a family run restaurant based in in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
It had a well presented menu and the staff were very friendly and accommodating of my gluten free diet.
Starters were odd in the sense you had a platter of maybe 7 dishes at once, quite huge but very tasty.
The main courses were cooked to order and sauces were made without gluten as requested.

Overall a good place to eat!

Recommended.

I’m more likely to write up a report on good food but when people piss me off I have to spread the happiness and get it publicised on my blog so here is a contender for worst takeaway cafe/ restaurant in Foston.

Salt Box Cafe Derby Rd, Foston, Derby, DE65 5PT
Rated 1.0 out of 5.0 (google) Unfriendly service - try elsewhere! - 10 Oct 2008
Unfriendly and unhelpful if you have a special diet!

It was quite funny really, you had to be there to get the feel of how stupid and unhelpful these people really are.

The plan was to grab a bag of chips to eat outside (they do takeaway food).
So I asked for chips (which were on the menu) to take out, but was told ‘only in a chip butty!’

I asked for a ‘chip butty’ without the bread (please), and the response from 3 of the staff was adamantly NO!

Stick your chip butties where the sun don’t shine sprung to mind..

Not recommended.

Our recently ‘pruned’ Gluten free chat forums are here
Don’t miss out - share your gluten free recipes, link to other sites, talk trivia! etc.. etc..

Aurigacrown Malaga
Travelers beware this company is just outright taking the mick! If you are unfortunate enough to book in with this outfit expect to wait for 1 hr in a cue to find the receptionist shutting the cue down and walking off without an explanation. Some companies that get the best deal for you will use Aurigacrown and you wont find out until you have paid!

This was our first and last experience:
A family carrying a baby was verbally abused then ignored after cuing for the same time.. disgusting!
Basically the staff are overworked and just don’t care.

There are many other reputable companies .. stick with those and smile as you pass that 1 hr Aurigacrown cue.

Giancarlo Girometti has established an excellent little restaurant specialising in Italian food such as Pasta, Pizza, salads, Fish and Meat.

Special Diets are no problem and Gluten free spaghetti was made for me in 15 minutes - excellent!
If you are in and around Ashbourne treat yourself to an authentic Spaghetti Bolognese or Spaghetti Bolognese with meatballs.
Good food and a friendly service second to none.
Recommended!

14 Church Street Ashbourne.
01335 345000

Review: Finowe cottage- Flowergate- Whitby
I recently stayed at this accommodation and here are my observations:

They required a £50.00 bond ( this was then withheld without communication, due to a pen/crayon mark on a single sheet)
£339.00 for 6 days. Not £400.00 = £61 overcharged.
The stairs were dangerous due to loose carpet offcuts laying around.
No towels, these had to be bought in when we arrived.
No dishwasher as described on the website.
Dirty cooking utilities left in cupboards.
Heating not working in bathroom (with old sign do not use!)
No table to eat from.
Cramped living space.
Not suited to children at all.

Basically we had to threaten to take the owner to court to refund our deposit, which she did almost immediately, Beware!

Whitby is famous for its fish and chips.
We were unfortunate as we had to book this accommodation as most other places were full due to several festivals happening and the half term holidays for schools. On the upside you can get Gluten free fish and chips in several chippies here.

Tesco Freefrom Gluten free Crumpets or Pikelets as we used to call them in South Yorkshire.

I was offered a try of these this morning and I have to say they were pretty good, a little less chewy [ more powdery, maybe too much bicarb of soda? ] than the ones I remember as a kid but overall a nice morning or afternoon snack.

I was wondering how long it would be before they arrived as a gluten free package, and here they are, labeled as NEW in the stores.
Recommended

I recently stayed at the Glencoe Guesthouse in Keswick to climb the highest mountain in England the celebrated Scafell Pike.
I found the accommodation on the Internet through Google search and chose it as it looked nice on the website and was a reasonably priced B&B compared to others in the area.

The accommodation was well presented and the breakfasts were served early [maybe a little to early if you need a lie in after a long day on the hill - my only gripe!] There was no problem with catering for my diet, they made me sandwiches with my bread, and other facilities were available in town, Keswick has an abundance of good restaurants.

Recommended.

http://www.glencoeguesthouse.co.uk/

Red Lion Inn - Hollington

I recently went to this pub which is based in the village of Hollington near Ashbourne / Derby and was pleasantly surprised once again by the helpful response to my request for a gluten free meal.
The waitress asked the chef what he could offer me and returned with a delightful array of choices.

Basically the restaurant offers top quality food in a lovely rural setting

The Red Lion website

Track day

This one redefines the very meaning of adrenalin rush!! Screech around the Guadix Circuit in a Lamborghini Gallardo or maybe even a Ferrari 456 V12 not fast enough for you?? Then you must want the 0-100 in 2.6 sec Supersport Radical SR3 Yes the one Stig took round Top Gears circuit eight seconds faster than the Pagani Zonda. Drive with an experienced co-driver or be driven at breakneck speeds by one of the fastest men on the planet. Tel. 619 476 991 or 619 476 991

Trail Bike Adventure

Open the throttle and feel that rush!! Riding through valleys and over mountain paths your guaranteed to come back covered in mud with a dirty great smile. Full day riding with lunch / half day mountain tours. Near Alora. Call 664 738 094 for further details.

Hot Air Ballooning

Make out like Phileas Fogg or have a romantic trip for 2 with a gentle cruise in wonderful bag of hot air supported by a wicker basket Antequera, Ronda or Granada Phone: (+34) 958 290 316 Mobile phone: (+34) 670 596 770 www.gloventosur.com

Paragliding

Running towards a cliff with your a pilot strapped to your back is not what i dream of, but once your soar above Sierras of Ronda all that is forgotten . Just the subconscious feeling that Parachutes are normally associated with saving yourself from a burning aircraft while others plummet is always present.

Allow half a day altogether. 100€ for a tandem flight even obtain your paragliding license near Ronda tel.651 736 718 or Visit www.flyspain.co.uk

Quad biking

Take time out for a quad trip round Viñuela Lake. A professional guide will lead you on a 3 hour quad ride with great views and varied terrain. 37€ single 55€ with pillion. Tours at 10am or 5pm Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. For further details contact Tel: 952503734

Karting

This is where Formula 1 Champions develop their primal skills. Every boy has been karting at some point. Not everyone has raced a competition kart around the largest kart circuit in Europe at breakneck speeds. Are you a winner or are you a wuss? Call 610 774 429

Kite Surfing in Tarifa

Brave the winds and water and learn to kite surf in Tarifa. The Max Flysurfing Centre in Tarifa run activities for all levels, from beginners to advanced, where you can kite surf in safety. Guaranteed to blow your mind!

The Max Flysurfing Centre, Tarifa. All levels. 30€ perhour/ 100€ per day. Special rates for groups. Tel. No: 956 685 277

Ardales Caves

Suitable for the whole family! One of the most important cave sites in Spain with over 50 prehistoric paintings and engravings. The cave stretches over one and a half kilometres with beautiful stalactites & stalagmites, columns and lakes. You can book a guided tour on Tuesdays Thursdays Saturdays & Sundays at 10am Tel.952 458 046 for further information.

Paintball

Your chance to act like Rambo! It’s all about teamwork they say, but if you’ve been before you know it’s all about shooting anything that moves even your buddy that’s crouching 10 feet ahead and comparing welts and bruises at the end of each battle. Monda area Tel. 647 510 660

Scuba Diving

Nerja Dive School offers a ‘try-dive’ at 55€ plus guided dives for experienced divers.

Single dive – 40€ Each additional dive – 35€ Single dive with own equipment – 29€. Explore the sea-life of Marina Bay and La Herradura Bay.

www.diving-in-spain.com

Tel 952524654

4X4 + Abseiling & Rock Climbing

Remember that scene from Mission Impossible where Tom Cruise leaps 10 metres for a rock hold! Its nothing like that. But you will get a chance to abseil back down what you just climbed. Thursday, Fridays, Sundays

Axarquía, Loja or Alhama, min. 4 people, 55€ per person For further details contact Tel: 952503734

Donkey Sanctuary

To hear the tales of the donkeys and meet them in person, visit El Refugio del Burrito in Fuente de Piedra. Walk around the Spanish cortijo with its charming olive grove and traditional buildings. Open from 11am to 6pm Free entrance.

Born To Be Wild

Jeep Eco Tours in the Sierra de Las Nievas in open roofed jeeps, off road.

Dolphin Eco Tours – pilot your own speedboat for an unforgettable experience.

Tel. No for more information 952781006 / 606 454 431

Water/Jet Skiing

Want to cool off? Try Splash Water Sports at Cabopino, Marbella. You can jet ski, water ski, get thrown off a banana or sausage boat or have fun wake boarding. Try a delta and ringo ride or join in one of their acquatic activities or excursions.

Contact Telephone Number: 952837070 for more information.

Lobo Park Special

Howl with the wolves! Barbecue, guided night tour and howl concert. Friday or Saturday 20.00 to 24.00 Call for reservation and info 952031107

Meanwhile take an early morning or evening tour of the wolves; fascinating and informative. Visit the petting zoo or the new wolf cubs.

Cafeteria, restaurant and gift shop. Open 10am to 8pm Tours Adults 7.50€ Children 5.50€ Petting Zoo All 1.50€

www.lobopark.com

Marbella Casino

Feeling Lucky? Why not gamble the night away at the Marbella Casino. In the Gaming Hall you can play French and American roulette, Black Jack and Chemin de Fer. There’s also a Slot Machine Hall and a restaurant serving Spanish and International Cuisine plus a tasting menu.

Marbella Casino, Hotel Andalucia Plaza, Marbella.

Gaming Hall 8pm-5am

Slot Machine Hall 4pm-6am Restaurant 9pm-3.30am

Whale/Dolphin Trip

An unforgettable experience! Dolphins jumping within feet of the boat in groups of twenty or more is incredible in itself, but then to see spouting, a visible sign of whale activity and the tension mounts amongst everbody. Nothing prepares you for the serenity and sense of awe when close to these gentle giants. Whale watch tarifa http://www.whalewatchtarifa.net adults €30 children €20 reservations Mob.639 476 544 Tel.956 627 013

Crocodile Park Torremolinos

Never had so much fun took a troublesome niece smothered her toes in Bovril dangled her over the crocodile pen and watched the big lizards run. Well recommended!!

C/ Cuba, 14 29620 Torremolinos (MÁLAGA) Telf: 952051782 Adults: 9,00€ Kids: 6,50€

Malaga Fair

Enjoy the Malaga Fair, 3rd week in August; decorated streets, costumed people.

Party all day in the street with music and dancing and tasty tapas; party all night at the fairground with its rides for all, casetas, and shows with world-class performers. If you’re not squeamish, catch a bullfight in the late afternoon.

Mini Hollywood

Be a star for a day at Mini Hollywood. See where The Magnificent Seven was filmed, enjoy shows, a zoo, bars and restaurants.

Mini Hollywood, Tabernas, Almeria.

Adults 17€ Children 9€ For details phone 950 365 236

Science Park

For a great, hands-on experience for all your budding scientists, a visit to the Science Park in Granada is a perfect day out. It’s an open-air museum with a Butterfly House and Botanical Walks. Have fun with the water and energy games and be amazed in the Eureka Hall.

Parque de Las Ciencias, Avda del Mediterraneo, Granada. Exit 131 or 132

Closed Mondays. Open Tues. to Sat. 10 to 7; Sun and hols 10 to 3

Museum Adults 4.50E Children 3.50€

Planetarium Adults 2€Children 1.50€

Isla Magica

Discover the amazing life of Spanish 16th Century explorers in this exciting theme park. Rides and shows for all ages.

Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla.

Adults 21€ Children 14.50€

Fuengirola Zoo

For something different, take a moonlight visit to the zoo during July and August. See nocturnal animals at play. Take a walk through tropical forests and over rivers to see animals in their natural habitat. Open daily from 10am to twilight to 1am for the moonlight visit.

Prices Adults 12,30€ Children 8.60€

Tel. No. 952 666 301

Aquatropic

Water Park

Cool off in the Aquatropic Water Park at Velilla Beach, Amunecar.

Adults 11€ Child 7€ Fun for the whole family.

Selwo Wildlife Park

Be an explorer for the day in the largest nature reserve in Spain, Selwo Wildlife Park at Estepona, Malaga.

Open daily 10 to 7

Adults 18€ Children 12€

Direct Bus service to the park from Malaga Bus Station

Tel No 902190482/ 952792150

Hiking

Take a guided hike through the Sierras de Loja or the Montes de Malaga along remote trails and paths with superb scenery and fantastic views. Talk to Mel to plan your day out.

www.rio-frio.com Tel 958348973/ 685978182

River Trip

Take a ferry trip from Sanlucar de Barrameda, 13 kms up the Quadalquivir River to the Nonana National Park. Trip takes 3 ½ hours and includes several guided walk in the park itself.

15E. Boats leave daily at 10am Tel. 956363813

One to One Diving

Check out the school in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmedina to find your course. There’s a dive shop, Schholl, Sales and Hire of Equipment.

Tel. 952196090

Mountain Biking

Toil up and fly down spectacular mountains and hills. Bring your own bike and hire a guide. Hire bikes and a guide. Tailor-made excursions for all grades. Check website www.rio-frio.com or call Mel on 958348973/ 685978182

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Try your hand at Clay pigeon Shooting at Marbella Gun and Country Club. From beginner to experienced shooter. Great location in the Sierras de las Nievas National Park

For info call 952 112 161

Steam Train

Take a trip down memory lane through beautiful countryside. One of the top train rides in Europe. Train runs from Ronda to Algeciras, Algeciras to Ronda, with stops on the way. Enjoy lunch and catch the train back. Explore Ronda or San Roque.

Return tickets 12€

From Ronda – 7am, 12, 4.30pm, 8.25pm From Algeciras – 7am, 12, 1.30pm, 6.25pm Tel. Ronda Renfe: 952871662

Tivoli World

Great Family Entertainment for warm Summer evenings in a wonderful setting with tropical gardens, plazas, exciting rides, theatre, restaurant and bars. Over 300 rides including Tunnel of Fear, Twister, Carousel. Enjoy the colour and sounds of flamenco in Andalucia Square and Wild West Shows in Western Square, or see a show in the theatre.

Location: Arroya de La Miel, Benalmadena Tel. 952527016

Open 6pm to 2.30am 4.50€ for gardens, bars, restaurant and some free shows 17.50€ Supertivolino – includes over 30 rides. Special group rates.

El Torcal

If you haven’t already explored the peace and quiet of El Torcal’s extraordinary rock formations, with wild flowers and birds, why not take a morning or evening walk there and you’ll feel on top of the world.

Canoeing

Trail riding through beautiful mountains on sure-foot

After walking in the woods, or round the lakes, why not cool off in a canoe or take out a family pedal boat. At Las Embalses, look out for Park Ardales, walk down to the lake to swim or boat. For further details contact Tel: 952503734

Bird Watching

Take a guided bird watching trip to the Coto Donana National Park. You can explore around the Visitors’ Centre on foot but need a guide to enter the Park. Half day or whole day tours available.

Tel 959430432 Marsimas del Rocio

Geocaching

The new Treasure hunt craze sweeping the world. Find hidden caches all over Andalucia over 200 in the Malaga province. Clues on their websites normal hidden in places of outstanding beauty with varying degrees of difficulty. Visit http://www.geocaching.com for further information.

Tour the Troglodytes

Ever wondered what it’s like living in a cave? Many still do and you can tour Cave Homes in Guadix. While there why not explore the town’s Old Quarter too.

Groups from 1 to 6. Tel. 986221399

Fishing Trips

Summer’s the perfect time to be on the water. Take a fishing trip from Benalmadena Marina. All types of fishing. Groups up to 9 people 360E including drinks, food and equipment. Call for reservations Tel. 670611427 English/ Spanish speaking.

Trail Riding Excursions

Ride through beautiful mountains on sure-footed Andalucian horses. Freshly prepared barbecue with Cava and canapés. Enjoy a swim before the return ride. All age groups and abilities catered for. Non-riders and children welcome. 50E riders 20E non riders Minimum party of 4, including 2 riders. Leave at 12pm and return at 4pm Call June at Villanueva del Trabucco, for info and reservations Tel.660294457

Crown Safari Tours

Take a Crown Safari Tour and discover typical Andalucian villages and natural beauty of the Costa del Sol. Full day out 4×4ing in a jeep convoy across the Sierras. Minimum Nº of persons required €42 per person tours depart on Weds & Fridays Visit http://www.crowncarhire.com/eng/safari-tours-eng.htm for further details Tel Emilio: (+34) 952 05 70 79 E-mail: safaritours@crowncarhire.com