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As a gluten-free uni student who's been living in Bath, I'm always looking for the best places to try and take family and friends to on visits from them. This curiosity has allowed me to find some really good places, so I thought that I would share what I have learnt in my first year for your next trip to Bath.


Nook


A small Australian-inspired café on Bath’s High Street, Nook serves a vibrant range of dishes and snacks that are 100% gluten-free. I’m especially keen to try some of their savoury items, which include poke bowls, breakfast fritters, rösti, and a variety of smoothie bowls—you’re definitely not short on choice here.



I have already worked my way through a selection of their baked goods, and my absolute favourite has to be the nut and chocolate cookies. Warmed up in the microwave, they’re the perfect balance of salty and sweet—crispy on the outside and gooey in the centre. I’ve also tried their flapjack, which was tasty though a little too syrupy for my liking, and their Twix bar, which had a rich chocolate topping, smooth caramel layer, and crumbly biscuit base.


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Their smoothies are another highlight. I tried the açai smoothie, which tasted incredibly fresh thanks to high-quality ingredients. My only critique is that it was a little thinner than I prefer, as I like smoothies to be on the thicker side. That said, their menu has so many interesting flavours that I’d love to explore more.


The main drawback to Nook is the price tag—smoothies, for example, are £8.50 each, which makes it more of a treat spot than a weekly staple.


🌟 Overall, Nook is a place I return to time and time again, and I’m excited to keep exploring the rest of their menu.


Green Rocket Cafe


This is one of my absolute favourites for a feel-good lunch packed with fresh ingredients. Open seven days a week and located right in the heart of Bath near Bath Abbey, The Green Rocket serves an extensive list of plant-based breakfasts and lunches. It’s an award-winning spot that really champions vibrant, wholesome food.



Not only does The Green Rocket serve up incredible plant-based dishes, but it’s also responsible for my kombucha obsession—they offer an organic apple and elderflower variety that I have to order every single time I visit. There’s also an ever-changing selection of cakes on the counter and a long dessert list if you’re in the mood for something sweet. With a menu that changes regularly, every trip feels exciting and pushes me to step outside my comfort zone and try something new.


One of my all-time favourite salads actually came from The Green Rocket—their plant-based Caesar salad. It features coconut flake “bacon,” a rich Brazil nut parmesan, and some of the best gluten-free croutons I’ve ever had. I usually pair it with their paprika-rubbed sweet potato fries, which are the perfect side.



I’ve also fallen in love with many of their small plates. The tempura vegetables served with

chilli oil are full of flavour, the satay mushroom skewers have a beautiful depth, the chickpea fries have an incredible texture, and the sweet potato fritters are another must-try. The best part? Most dishes on the menu are, or can easily be made, gluten-free.


🌟 As a gluten-free pescatarian, this place is a dream—whether I’m trying something new or going back to an old favourite, there are always plenty of exciting options.


Blended


Blended Kitchen is a superfood bar serving up a range of feel-good dishes, drinks, and treats. From freshly made juices, smoothies, protein shakes, and coffees to pair with a topped toast, acai or yoghurt bowl, there’s something for every mood.


Their toast menu features favourites like topped avocado toast and banana bread—though these aren’t gluten-free. Personally, my go-to here is their yoghurt and acai bowls. With a long list of toppings to choose from, the combinations feel endless, making it easy to create something new every visit.


A selection of topped toast, an acai bowl, a smoothie and tea
A selection of topped toast, an acai bowl, a smoothie and tea

Blended Kitchen offers three bowl bases—acai, matcha, or mango—with the option to mix two. I always go for a blend of acai and mango, which strikes the perfect tangy-sweet balance. Bowls come in 12-oz or 16-oz sizes and include granola plus your choice of five toppings. I really appreciate that their gluten-free granola is stored separately from the regular granolas behind the counter—it makes the experience feel safe and thoughtful.


My go-to mixed acai and mango bowl
My go-to mixed acai and mango bowl

Their juices and smoothies are another highlight. The smoothies I’ve tried are fresh and flavorful, though a bit thinner than I usually prefer. The juices, however, are spot-on. My favourite is Lemonaid—refreshing, light, and the perfect thirst-quencher.


🌟 Blended Kitchen is the perfect spot for a girly brunch, a quick pick-me-up, or a mood-boosting cold drink on a sunny day.


Newton St Loe Farm Shop


This was one of the very first places I visited in Bath—and it quickly became a favourite. Not only does the farm shop itself have a lovely, dedicated gluten-free section (a total win), but the bustling café attached to it is packed with gluten-free options.


This café is always busy. I don’t think I’ve ever stepped in without seeing the tables filled with people enjoying tea, cake, or a hearty Sunday lunch. The quality of the produce really shines here. I’m partial to their freshly squeezed orange juice, but they also serve up all the comforting classics: hot chocolates, coffees, and teas. Perfect companions to a slice from the cake counter—my favourite being the date and cashew slice.


My faveriote date and cashew slice
My faveriote date and cashew slice

When it comes to lunch, the menu doesn’t disappoint. Burgers and buns can all be made gluten-free (with buns that actually hold together—no crumbly disasters here). They also serve a range of salads and pub staples like fish and chips or ham, egg, and chips. And the chips? Truly next-level. Light, crunchy, fluffy, crisp—hands down the best chips I’ve ever had. Honestly, worth the visit just for those.


A veggie burger with the absolute best chips
A veggie burger with the absolute best chips

Sundays are a real highlight too. All roast options can be made gluten-free, from nut roast to roast pork, alongside their classic pub dishes.


🌟 A scenic spot serving comforting staples—whether you’re after coffee and cake with a wander around the farm shop, or a family reunion over a roast dinner or a pub classic.


Rosarios


A traditional Italian café tucked right into the centre of Bath, Rosarios is my number one place for a quick gluten-free lunch that’s full of flavour—far from your run-of-the-mill cheese sandwich.


There’s an extensive list of all-day breakfast options, alongside gluten-free versions of Italian classics like arancini. Even better, the full menu of sandwiches and paninis can be made gluten-free.


Not only do we get just as many choices as non-gluten-free eaters, but the bread here is a real highlight. For the sandwiches, the gluten-free loaf is generously sized (no palm-sized slices here!), full of seeds, and it doesn’t go soggy from the fillings. It’s the perfect base for anything you choose, though my favourite has to be the chickpea fritters—an absolute must-try in my opinion.


A sandwhich with chickpea fritters, salad and maynonaise
A sandwhich with chickpea fritters, salad and maynonaise

The panini bread is just as impressive, with a golden crust, served warm—perfect for a mid-shopping refuel.


A panini with chickpea fritters, roasted pepper, rocket and sweet chilli sauce
A panini with chickpea fritters, roasted pepper, rocket and sweet chilli sauce

To drink, there’s a long list of options: juices, frappés, smoothies, and flavoured matchas. And if you’ve saved room for something sweet, many of the treats can also be made gluten-free, from traditional cannoli and Sicilian lemon cake to caramel shortbreads and brownies.


🌟 The ideal spot for a mid-shopping lunch or brunch, serving up a taste of Italy right in the heart of Bath


Flourish foodhall and kitchen


Flourish Foodhall and Kitchen is a classic farmshop-style venue serving food from 8 am to 5 pm, making it a perfect spot to visit at any time of day. The menu starts strong with hearty breakfasts, including a full English in different varieties such as baby-sized and vegetarian versions, along with topped toasts that can all be made gluten-free. Brunch options are just as tempting, with filled ciabattas, shakshuka, and avocado toast, all of which can be customised with a range of extras.


By midday, the menu broadens to include favourites like fish and chips, lighter plates such as Buddha bowls, a full range of sandwiches that can be made gluten-free, hearty burgers, ham, egg and chips, and fresh salads. To go alongside any of these dishes, there’s a wide choice of drinks—smoothies, juices, cocktails, teas and coffees. If you’re in the mood for something smaller, a lovely selection of sweet treats is available too, broadening to afternoon tea.


Since my last visit, the menu has undergone some changes. I used to enjoy their flatbread, a folded, toasted wrap topped with creamy hummus and fresh vegetables. I chose the falafel option, though that one is no longer marked gluten-free. I also had their vegetable burger, which has now disappeared from the menu, though the beef and halloumi burgers remain, and both, along with the sandwiches and ciabattas, can be made gluten-free. Both dishes I tried came with chunky chips that were always warm, crisp, and perfectly salted.



🌟 Flourish makes a wonderful spot to meet friends or family. You can take a wander through the shop, try a bit of pottery painting, before stopping for a yummy brunch, filling lunch, or a light evening bite.


Dough


This was one of the first places I visited in Bath, and whenever I miss pizza, this is the place I think about. It is on the more expensive side, especially for us gluten-free folks, with the gluten-free pizza bases adding up to £3.95 extra. That said, the options here are endless, and it’s worth it. Unlike many places where gluten-free is just a substitute, here you actually have five different pizza base options to choose from!


From turmeric to seaweed to a classic alternative sourdough, there’s a base for everyone. Any of the pizzas or pucce sandwiches can be made gluten-free with your choice of base. Starters are also a highlight, ranging from garlic bread to warm bruschetta, and even a dish called “The Dough Special.”


If pizza isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of mains to choose from, such as parmigiana (layers of fried aubergine baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil) and a selection of salads. And trust me, these are not the limp lettuce-and-tomato salads you might be used to—they’re packed with fresh ingredients, full of flavour, and form the base of my favourite combo from Dough: a salad paired with their garlic bread.



My go-to is the tuna salad, paired with garlic bread on a gluten-free sourdough base. It’s absolutely perfect for a late summer evening meal.


🌟 With multiple locations across Bath, Dough is an ideal spot for a date night or a celebratory meal, with options to suit every preference.


I hope this has given you a little inspiration for your next trip to Bath, or maybe added a few new spots to your “must-visit” list. As I head into my second year of living here, I’m so excited to discover even more hidden gems, while of course revisiting some of my favourite places again and again.


Thank you so much for reading,


Ruby x

 
 
 

Soft, naturally sweet, and oh-so-simple – with a gooey chocolate twist.


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This recipe is one of those happy little treats that came from blending comfort and ease — sweet dates, creamy peanut butter, and just a handful of nourishing ingredients. They’re the kind of cookie you can whip up in under 30 minutes, and they somehow manage to feel both indulgent and wholesome all at once.


The idea started with a craving for something soft, rich, and just sweet enough — and I’ve been making some version of these ever since. They're especially lovely when you keep a stash in the freezer for those “just one bite” moments.


And while the cookies are completely delicious on their own, adding a slick of chocolate on top takes them somewhere extra special. You can melt a few squares of dark chocolate or make your own with coconut oil, cocoa, and a little maple syrup.


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🛒 Ingredients (Makes 8)


  • 100g peanut butter (If yours is a bit stiff or cold, just warm it in the microwave in 30-second bursts until soft and stirrable)

  • 4 medjool dates

  • A pinch of sea salt

  • 3 tbsp ground almonds

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground seed mix


Optional chocolate topping


  • A few squares of dark chocolate, melted

    OR

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder

  • 1–2 tsp maple syrup or your favourite liquid sweetener


🥣 Method


1. Soak the dates

Remove the pits and soak your dates in a bowl of just-boiled water for 10 minutes until soft.


2. Make your chia egg

Grind your chia seeds into a powder (I use my little handheld blender), or use a pre-ground seed mix. Stir with 3 tbsp of water and leave it to thicken — it’ll turn gloopy, like an egg.


3. Preheat your oven

Set it to 160°C fan. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and a little coconut oil.


4. Blend the dates

Drain the dates and blend them into a smooth paste using a stick blender or food processor.


5. Mix the dough

Add the blended dates, peanut butter, sea salt, ground almonds, and chia egg to a bowl. Mix until combined. The dough will be sticky and soft.


6. Shape your cookies

Scoop into small balls, roll gently, and flatten onto your tray with your hands or the back of a wet spoon or spatula.


7. Bake

Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Let them cool on the tray — they’ll firm up as they rest.


8. Add chocolate (optional but encouraged!)

Once cooled, drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over each cookie. To make your own: melt the coconut oil, stir in cocoa powder and maple syrup until smooth, and spoon over the tops.


Let the chocolate set at room temp, or pop them into the fridge or freezer to speed it up.


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🍫 Optional Toppings


Take your chocolate layer to the next level with one (or more!) of these finishing touches:


  • Crushed roasted nuts

  • Toasted coconut flakes

  • Flaky sea salt

  • Cacao nibs

  • Sesame or hemp seeds

  • A dusting of cinnamon or espresso powder



🧡 Optional Swaps & Additions


These cookies are made to be adapted. Here are a few ways to customise:


  • Nut-free? Swap peanut butter for a seed butter.

  • No almonds? Use oat or coconut flour instead.

  • Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, cacao nibs, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for more texture.

  • Chocolate inside! Fold some dark chocolate chunks straight into the dough for a double-chocolate version.


❄️ Storing & Freezing


These keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze beautifully — chocolate topping and all. Let them defrost at room temp, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a chewy, fudgy bite.


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For more gluten-free bakes, easy sweet treats, and cosy recipe inspiration, check out my Instagram @rubysgfkitchen  💛


Happy Baking,


Ruby X

 
 
 
  • 17rlochhead
  • Oct 31
  • 3 min read

Raspberry, Walnut & Chocolate Chunk Muffins (GF & Wholesome!)


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This recipe is thanks to my mum, who has recently loved snacking on dark chocolate and walnuts, and every morning enjoys yoghurt sprinkled with seeds. I thought: why not bring all of those favourites together into one muffin? The result is these gluten-free Raspberry, Walnut & Chocolate Chunk Muffins—wholesome, full of flavour, and the perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment.


Why you’ll love them


✨ Easy to make and freezer-friendly

✨ A mix of gooey chocolate + tart raspberries = flavour heaven

✨ Nutty crunch from walnuts (or your favourite swap)

✨ Packed with plant-powered goodness from oats, chia, and flax

✨ Naturally sweetened, so their versatile for enjoying at any time of the day

✨ Each muffin has around 7 g protein + 5 g fibre to keep you full



Ingredients (makes 12 muffins)


  • 2 Eggs

  • 70 ml Oil

  • 90 ml Milk (dairy or plant-based)

  • 100 g Yoghurt (dairy or plant-based)

  • 70 g Coconut sugar

  • 50 ml Maple syrup

  • 180 g Finely ground oat flour (see tip below)

  • 50 g Ground almonds

  • 1 tsp Baking powder

  • 2 tbsp Chia seeds

  • 2 tbsp Ground flaxseed

  • 50 g Gluten free oats

  • 75 g Chopped walnuts

  • 75 g Chopped dark chocolate

  • 100 g Raspberries

  • Optional icing: Yoghurt + a drizzle of maple syrup



Method


  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cases.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (eggs, oil, milk, yoghurt, maple syrup).

  3. In another bowl, mix all the dry ingredients (oat flour, almonds, coconut sugar, baking powder, chia, flax, oats).

  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently until just combined. If the batter feels too thick, add a splash more milk.

  5. Fold in the walnuts, chocolate, and raspberries.

  6. Divide evenly between muffin cases.

  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

  8. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

  9. If you like, mix some yoghurt with maple syrup and drizzle it over the cooled muffins for a simple icing.



Tip: Getting the Best Oat Flour


For light, fluffy muffins, you want your oat flour to be extra fine. If you’re making it at home, use a hand-held blender or high-speed blender and pulse rolled oats until they’re soft and powdery—almost like regular flour. A hand-held blender works especially well for smaller batches and ensures there are no coarse bits that could make the muffins heavy.


Storage


  • Keep in an airtight container for 2–3 days at room temperature

  • Store in the fridge for up to 5 days

  • Freeze individually for up to 3 months—just thaw or gently reheat when ready to eat



Versatility


One of the best things about these muffins is how adaptable they are.

A few fun swaps to try:


🍒 Swap raspberries for blueberries, cherries, or chopped apples

🌰 Use hazelnuts or pecans instead of walnuts for a new flavour twist

🍊 Add orange zest or cinnamon for a cosy spiced version

🍫 Skip the chocolate if you want something more breakfast-y, or double it if you’re in a dessert mood


They’re perfect as:


🥞 A quick breakfast

🎒 A packable snack

☕ A little afternoon pick-me-up alongside your coffee or tea


Adapting for Allergies


  • Egg-free: replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water, left to thicken for 5 minutes)

  • Nut-free: swap ground almonds for a different flour, such as extra oat flour, coconut or buckwheat flour, and replace walnuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds

  • Dairy-free: use plant yoghurt and plant milk (soy works best for protein!)


Each muffin is packed with around 7 g of protein and 5 g of fibre, so they’re not just tasty—they’ll keep you satisfied too. I love that this recipe brings together so many of my mum’s favourite flavours and habits in one bake—it feels like a little tribute to her breakfast table, but in muffin form. If you liked this recipe, you can keep up with what I have been baking over on my Instagram @rubysgfkitchen.


Happy Baking,

Ruby x

 
 
 

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