Gluten free pop up event with Barnstaple author

A new pop-up food evening in Barnstaple will celebrate gluten free food and be a chance to try a range of dishes which are usually off the menu for those with dietary requirements.

The foodie get-together at Charlie’s Cafe in Barnstaple on Thursday, April 11 will be a collaboration with local author and food blogger Sarah Howells aka The Gluten Free Blogger.

From deep-dish pizza to toad-in-the-hole, lasagne and sticky toffee pudding, the evening will feature recipes from Sarah’s book, Delicious Gluten Free Meals.

But it will also be a chance for those on a gluten free diet to meet others who understand what life is like with coeliac disease and other similar conditions.

Above: Sarah Howells is one of the leading gluten free cooks in the country. Credit: Steve Joyce

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder - thought to affect one in 100 people in the UK - where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues when you eat gluten.

As well as having to stick to a strict gluten free diet, those with coeliac disease must ensure they avoid any cross-contamination when preparing food.

“This can make eating out exceptionally difficult,” said Sarah, who has gained national recognition as a blogger and author.

“It can be very isolating and cause a lot of anxiety around food when you’re getting to grips with the diet.

“We really wanted to create an event which would prove gluten free food can be delicious and bring people together to support each other.

“It will be a great chance to meet others on a gluten free diet, share tips about the best local spots to eat out, and generally feel less alone.”

Above: Sarah's gluten free cookie sharing skillet. Credit: Steve Joyce

Charlie’s Cafe owner Mike Horstead added: “We’re really excited to team up with Sarah and do something together and can’t wait to cook up her recipes for everyone.

“We’ve been a completely gluten free facility for three years now and we’re really proud of it.

“It’s exciting to be able to host a pop-up event celebrating gluten free food and we hope that it could be the first of many to come.

“Plus we might sneak a few of our gluten free fried doughnuts in for good measure.”

The pop-up evening will take place at Charlie’s Cafe in Tuly Street, Barnstaple, on Thursday, April 11th from 6pm. Tickets cost £25 (plus booking fee) and must be booked in advance.

The evening includes a talk from Sarah, a chance to get books signed and then a 100 per cent gluten free buffet meal featuring dinner and desserts.

For more details and to book tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gfblogger-x-charlies-pop-up-night-tickets-861646787737