117-mile drive for our gluten-free fish and chips (From Echo)

117-mile drive for our gluten-free fish and chips

9:00am Saturday 17th May 2008

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JUST how far would you go to tuck into a plate of tasty fish and chips? How about a 117 miles?

That's how far some people are willing to drive to savour the unique delights of the Wakering Fish Bar.

The High Street takeaway is the only restaurant in Essex to cater for people suffering from coeliac disease and need a gluten-free diet.

It is likely to have been more packed than usual as it has been National Coeliac Awareness Week.

Those suffering from the disease must stick to a diet completely free of ingredients derived from gluten, including cereals, wheat, barley, rye and oats.

Matt Brown and his wife Natalie, who live in Hockley, took over the business eight months ago.

They realised they could fill a huge gap in the market by offering meals for people who possibly hadn't been able to eat traditional fish and chips for decades.

Mr Brown, who grew up in Ashingdon, said because gluten can be found in so many different foods, it was a lot of work to prepare the meals.

He added: "We choose one night a week to offer our full gluten-free menu and that's Saturdays, which is our busiest night.

"It's not unusual to have people coming from all across the county , just to taste their first fish and chips for a long time.

"One night we even had a couple come in saying they'd driven 117 miles to come and buy some gluten-free fish and chips.

"People often thank us for offering the menu, saying it has given them something to look forward to.

"Your average Mr or Mrs Joe Public will order fish and chips and enjoy it, but for many people out there, they haven't been able to have fish and chips for 30 or 40 years."

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