The winner of the 2016
FreeFrom Eating out Awards

For images of the presentation go here

Deb Bailey-Knibbs of winners Labyrinth Holistic Café being presented with the winning salver by Executive Chef Dominic Teague of Indigo at One Aldwych, winners of the Pathfinder Award.

Labyrinth Holistic Café, Stockon on Tees

'Not only is Labyrinth a not-for-profit business, it is 100% for the community. They cater for everyone, all diets and are 100% gluten free. All the staff are knowledgeable, totally allergy aware, well trained, friendly and passionate about giving others the best experience they can...
Because they wanted Labyrinth to welcome everyone, from all walks of life, that meant all diets too, and they cater for Gf, all allergens, veggies, vegans and also halal. I have never seen such an extensive menu and the food is amazing. The plate was attractively arranged, and the food was colourful, of varied textures and flavours and fillings, all freshly prepared. The idea is that it can all be tweaked at the last minute to accommodate different diets and allergies. It is also incredibly good value.'

Labyrinth operate a food bank, pay it forward scheme, and collect filled handbags for ladies on hard times. They are CUK accredited and since they won the award last year the business has developed and progressed in leaps and bounds. They really deserve to win the award again... it could be made for them... everything they do is for everyone... no one is excluded.

Runners up...

Knife & Fork – Banbury 

'Tanya LIVES for what she does – and LOVES it. Everything is made with allergens in mind, and of the highest quality with minute attention to detail. The flavour of every dish was exquisite. It looked amazing, the presentation was perfect, everything was cooked to perfection, with a variety of textures, colours and flavours that complimented each other perfectly. The entire meal was a feast to the eyes. And this applies to breakfast as well as dinner.
We felt warm and fuzzy about the entire experience and can't wait to go again...'

Percy's Country Hotel & Restaurant - Devon

'It is clear from visiting Percy's that the owners have a passion for serving food that everyone can enjoy. The gf and df dishes were accomplished and extremely tasty. This is the first time I have enjoyed a full 5 course set menu since having to eat gf and df.
The dishes used fresh, simple and interesting ingredients showing a passion and skill for food that was not limited by food allergies. The dessert, for example, was entirely df and gf for all diners – a delicious fig and frangipane tart with a coconut yoghurt and coconut glacé. The crust and base of the tart was crisp and full flavoured, the frangipane was soft and perfectly balanced without being oversweet. It is rare to find such fine dining that caters for people with allergies/coeliac disease.'

The Alford Arms - Frithsden

'Our waitress was amazing. I was drilling her pretty hard about their procedures and practices and she was totally cool with everything. She really reassured me and I knew they were 'on it'. Huge choice for GF & DF and they are happy to make dishes for the most obscure allergies – although it is MUCH easier when people call ahead!
The food was sublime. Nothing too adventurous – just really innovative, comforting country pub food. I loved their commitment to sustainable ingredients from local farmers and producers. If only every pub was like this I'd be a lot happier and I'd eat fewer jacket potatoes after muddy walks!'

The Royal Oak - Marlow

'The chef had been through the whole menu and prepared a special allergen free menu for me with so much to choose from. In total I had the choice of 6 starters, 7 mains and three puds which for someone who is allergic to dairy, nuts, wheat and soya and intolerant to tomato and celery is pretty amazing. The food itself was really great and I felt totally confident in the staff's ability to look after me.'

The Willow - Kingston upon Thames

'I have rarely felt more safe and relaxed whilst eating out. When gluten is not allowed through the door that makes it easy. However, if I had other allergens to avoid, the professionalism and knowledge demonstrated by staff would have given me confidence and comfort.
An amazing breadth and depth of gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free starters, sides, mains and desserts. All allergens are very clearly labelled on the menu, with sesame and mustard making occasional appearances and dishes with nuts specify the type of nut present in the dish.
The burger itself was the most enjoyable I have ever eaten thanks to the texture and spices being square centre of the just right 'goldilocks' zone; for dessert, a courgette and carrot cake was wonderfully presented with a glowing but natural looking yellow cream cheese style filling and topping. And they offered 13 GF beers and 4 ciders!'

Vinegar Jones - Bowness on Windermere

'Fab fish and chips! Batter was light and crispy, with no soggy-next-to-fish going on. Fish was very fresh, and perfectly cooked. Chips were great too - proper chips, and not greasy. We had a portion of mushy peas too. Possibly the best gluten free fish and chips we've had - and Coeliac Daughter loves gf fish and chips, so we've had a lot!'

Other Categories:

• Cafés, coffee shops, tea rooms
• Fish & Chip shops
• Pub Restaurants
• Restaurants
• Corporate Hospitality and venues
• B&Bs and guest houses
• Schools, colleges and universities
• Food Manufactured for food service

Click here for the judging protocols and the judges

If you have any queries or would like to talk to us about the awards - please email Michelle or Kathy or call on 020 7722 2866