It’s great to see more independent gluten free eateries springing up in places other than London town (now that I’m a fully-fledged suburbanite I appreciate this!). The latest exclusively gluten free café on the scene is Nibsy’s in Reading. I took a little Christmas shopping excursion to check out their offering.

Owner, Naomi Stoker, has clearly put a lot of work and thought into her fledgling business, now 3 months old. It’s nothing complicated, just fresh hearty food made from good quality ingredients and good coffee. They benefit from a central location, a clean and bright look, and a simple crowd-pleasing menu.

You’ll find a good selection of sandwiches and toasties (hurrah, toasties!), which are delightfully fresh and fluffy when compared to other high street gluten free offerings – perhaps testament to the high turnover they are getting. There is also a wide selection of regularly changing cakes and treats (including some dairy free), as well as a daily quiche, pasta salad or soup. Perkier porridge pots were also on sale – hooray!

When I visited on a weekday, the café was full and pleasantly buzzing, and I inhaled my yummy sandwich, and a hefty wodge of rich chocolate yule log. At under £10 for a good lunch, this represents great value.

There definitely seems to be the demand to sustain Nibsy’s, and it will certainly make me think about heading to Reading rather than London for my next shopping trip – safe in the knowledge Baby A and I can get a proper lunch!

Nibsy’s is open Tuesday-Sunday, and is at 26 Cross Street, Reading (next to Marks & Spencer)