Review of the month: 1990 Gluten Free, 109 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3NS

As someone who’s wheat intolerant, I know how hard it can be to find delicious gluten-free food, let alone coeliac-friendly options. That’s why I was thrilled to discover “1990 Gluten-free” had a pop-up at local favourite, The Wealthy Beggar. 5-star dive-bar by night, the space had been transformed by 1990’s owner Giorgia into a welcoming warm daytime feel with fresh flowers, candles, and pastries on display.

Giorgia’s story is that as a baby (born in 1990’s Rome) she rejected food and lost weight. The hospital finally figured out she was coeliac, which was pretty unusual at the time. Being gluten-free in Italy was tough, but as she grew up, she started to create flavoursome gluten-free alternatives to her favourite dishes. She’s now turned her creative talents and love of food into a successful business, having supplied produce to different places including Selfridges and L’Angolo’s. And lucky for us, she decided to set up her own eatery in Kensal Rise.

With this in mind, I couldn’t wait to tuck in. I went for the bolognese arancini, with perfectly cooked rice and crispy golden brown breadcrumbs so good that I couldn’t even tell they were gluten-free. Giorgia told me that the ragù is cooked for 4 hours to give it that full and rich flavour – and boy was she right! I also tried the Parmigiana di melanzane which had just the right combination of tender aubergines, herby tomato sauce, and melty cheese with a crispy crust on top. And while Giorgia doesn’t skimp on the portions (the arancini was huge!), I still had room for the heavenly tiramisu. The ladyfingers were replaced with a gluten-free sponge, which soaked up all the sweetness and flavour of the mascarpone mixture. And the dusting of cocoa powder on top was the perfect touch of bitterness. All of the dishes were homemade with love from fresh organic produce, and I could definitely taste it!

My only disappointment was that I was too full for another dish, but I’m already planning my next visit to try the vegan gnocchi, or the colourful gluten-free pasta with spinach. Giorgia’s dishes are simply amazing, with no need to be gluten-free to appreciate their flavours. Plus, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the place had a really cosy locals feel – somewhere I could see myself hanging out, doing some work, chatting with friends, drinking some coffee and enjoying some yummy food.

Contacts:

Address: 109 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3NS
@1990glutenfree

Opening hours:
TUESDAY – WEDNESDAY – THURSDAY
8:30am – 4pm breakfast & lunch

Pre orders and bookings available via
DM @1990glutenfree
WhatsApp 07513 845 740
Email :  info@1990glutenfree.co.uk
Dine in & Take away!