Posted: 30th June 2016
Huge Demand Prompts Pub To Expand Gluten-Free Food Offer
The Duke of Edinburgh in Barming near Maidstone has expanded the availability of its 100% gluten-free menu, in response to overwhelming customer demand.
The traditional Shepherd Neame pub introduced food for the first time in March this year, following a £130,000 refurbishment. Licensee Adam Phillips teamed up with chef Paul Larcombe, and the pair came up with the idea of a gluten-free menu as Paul’s three-year-old daughter Layla suffers from coeliac disease.
It has proven a huge success, with customers regularly travelling down from London and across Kent to eat at the pub. National magazine Gluten-Free Heaven featured it as the ‘Hottest Place in Town’ in its April issue, and celebrity chef Phil Vickery has supported the pub on Twitter. The pub has also received 890 likes on its Facebook page, with 4.9 out of 5 stars from reviewers.
Paul, who lives in Ashford, said:
There just aren’t enough restaurants or pubs out there catering for people with gluten allergies. We are one of only two places in Kent with a 100% gluten-free kitchen, which means customers can order anything off the menu without any fear of cross-contamination. It is a huge comfort, particularly for parents like me with children who suffer from coeliac disease and can experience bad reactions.
The pub’s Gastropub-style menu features a variety of dishes to be enjoyed in a tapas style, such as mini fish and chips, garlic and lime marinated chicken skewers, and mini pork and apple burgers. A selection of dishes is served on the Duke’s Sharing Tapas Platter, and there are also oven baked flat breads with a variety of toppings available.
Food was only previously available in the evening from Thursday to Saturday, and in the afternoon on Sunday. But many customers were left disappointed that the pub didn’t have a lunchtime offer, so it is now serving food from noon to 2pm, and 6pm to 9.30pm, Wednesday to Saturday, and from noon to 5pm on Sunday. Adam said:
We had lots of people who were coming in hoping for lunch, and we had to turn them away, so we decided it was time to expand our offer.
In addition to choosing dishes from the regular menu, lunchtime customers will be able to sample the new Express Lunch Taster Board. For a set price of £9.95, they can choose four British tapas dishes from the daily selection, served with dressed salad, coleslaw and freshly baked breads, along with a complimentary tea, coffee or soft drink.
Adam said:
When we launched the menu, we had no idea of the impact it would have on people. Customers have been getting emotional and thanking us before they have even eaten anything. There is a real demand for gluten-free food out there, and it is so rewarding to be able to provide that service.
The Duke of Edinburgh is open from 4pm to 11pm, Monday and Tuesday, noon to 11pm, Wednesday to Saturday, and noon to 10.30pm on Sunday. For information phone 01622 727122, visit the pub's website or find them on Facebook.