Dietary Restrictions in London: What to Eat When You Have Allergies or Needs

When you have dietary restrictions, specific food needs due to allergies, intolerances, or personal choices that limit what you can safely eat. Also known as food allergies, it isn’t just about avoiding peanuts—it’s about finding places that actually understand what that means. In London, this isn’t a niche concern anymore. It’s a growing standard, and the venues that get it right are the ones people keep coming back to. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, or managing something more complex like histamine intolerance, you don’t have to settle for a sad salad or a worried waiter.

What makes London different is how many venues now treat dietary needs as part of their core service—not an afterthought. Take allergy-friendly afternoon tea, a refined dining experience redesigned for people with food sensitivities, where scones, sandwiches, and cakes are made without common allergens. You can book one in Mayfair or Notting Hill and not feel like you’re asking for a favor. Or look at nut-free dining, restaurants that operate in dedicated nut-free zones, with staff trained to prevent cross-contamination. These aren’t just restaurants—they’re safe spaces. And they’re not rare. Places like The Begging Bowl and Nandine in South London, while known for culture and flavor, also quietly build menus that work for multiple dietary needs. Even bars are catching up. You can now find ethical drinks, cocktails made with organic, allergen-free ingredients and zero synthetic additives in places that care about sustainability and safety at the same time.

It’s not just about what’s on the menu. It’s about how the staff responds. The best spots in London don’t just say "we can do gluten-free." They ask questions. They check labels. They bring out separate utensils. They don’t make you feel like a burden. That’s the difference between a venue that checks a box and one that truly gets it. And when you’re out with friends, trying to have a good night, that matters more than the decor.

You’ll find these places in the posts below—not because they’re trendy, but because they’re reliable. Whether you’re hunting for a quiet bar with nut-free cocktails, a late-night spot that serves safe street food, or a venue that lets you enjoy drag bingo without worrying about your dairy allergy, the list below is built from real experiences. No guesswork. No risk. Just places where your needs are respected from the moment you walk in.