Great Gluten Free Meals in Inverness

While I was away I had some lovely gluten free meals and wherever we went in Inverness they were very accommodating and happy to help with dietary requirements, more so than some establishments around my local area so was very happy. I'm at that stage where I'm always a bit nervous to ask for a gluten free menu for fear of putting anyone out or feeling like a nuisance. I shouldn't as the whole point of my diet is to prevent me from feeling poorly and uncomfortable and most places urge you to to ask about your dietary requirements so it shouldn't be a big worry. Most restaurants have to be aware of all sorts of food requirements now so it's pretty common place. I'm getting more adventurous and quite like testing some places just to see how they differ and to sort out the best places to return to. 

In the early days of starting my gluten free diet I would just let it slip especially when eating out as I just imagined a non existent gluten free menu so just made the best of what I could eat, taking a gamble sometimes. They do exist though those menus, the alternative ones as I like to call them now. So never be afraid to ask. I am just going to give a mention to two places we visited in Inverness.

The Chieftan Hotel situated on Milburn Road in Inverness was just brilliant. We were actually recommended to go here by the nice chap from the Premier Inn up the road who hadn't got any reservations for that evening, yes there was literally no room at the Inn. We travelled the few yards up to the next Inn, minus donkeys or big star in the sky for guidance as the Premier Inn keeper gave us the directions we needed. We just rang ahead on the way to see if they could accommodate all seven of us and they did, in the time we had called and the five minutes it took us to get there, we were welcomed at the door and shown straight to our table.

I asked for their gluten free options and a selection of food was given to me. I opted for a chicken dinner with potatoes, vegetables and gluten free gravy. They didn't have any of the gravy but what I did get was a nice little jug of melted garlic butter to pour over, it was so nice and what a great alternative. They seemed so willing to sort something out for me and the whole meal for all of us was a delight. If you would like any more information on The Chieftan Hotel you can go to www.chieftanhotelinverness.com

On our last evening in The Highlands we visited the North Kessock Hotel which was situated just approx 3 miles from where we were staying. On previous visits to this area I had passed the hotel but never visited it. It is a renowned little spot for dolphin spotting and in the past I have seen the dolphins swimming by the Kessock Bridge, a great sight. So I was quite pleased to be able to finally go in and have a meal at the hotel. Beautiful food and very friendly staff. 

I received the gluten free menu which was nicely devised really from the main menu and items that were good to eat were highlighted for me to choose. I chose the Kessock Hamful which was honey roast ham wrapped around prawns in marie rose sauce and served with salad. Just gorgeous and lots of food on the plate, they definitely give good portions up there and good value for money. I passed on a dessert and had a coffee instead but became quite jealous at other members of my family tucking into to vanilla ice cream which was served with warm fudge sauce over the top. It came recommended by the lovely waitress there, bless her, will love her forever! Since I have been back home I have bought Scottish vanilla ice cream and fudge sauce, warmed it in the microwave and chucked it over my ice cream, just delish. No I know, to the slimming world police, it's not good, but I'm having a little break. Start back Monday, don't we all say that? 

Over all a great experience and felt as though the warm Scots hospitality just shone through on all our visits so a big thank you. if you would like more information on the North Kessock Hotel you can find them at 
www.northkessockhotel.co.uk

If you can recommend any other good places to eat out, wherever you live, I would love to hear about them. It's always good to go on recommendations and I will continue to review any I find here. It's so easy sometimes to be put off by the whole 'eating out' experience because of a dietary requirement but that's a shame because it can stop you having fun and a good time so by passing information on I hope it helps not only you as a diner but to the restaurant owners for feedback. 

Thanks for reading and I'll catch you tomorrow for some Autism advice so take care for now........