Two fish and chip takeaways on Anglesey have earned official Gluten Free status from Coeliac UK, making them the only chippies in Wales to hold the accreditation.
Finney’s in Benllech, which committed to serve gluten free-only fish and chips in 2016, and Port Chippy in Amlwch, are both owned by Carol and Mike Hulme. They say the accreditation brings both reassurance to customers and recognition for the hard work they’ve put in behind the scenes.
“I’m pro gluten free,” said Carol. “So it didn’t feel right not having the accreditation. This gives us that stamp of trust. It shows we’ve been checked and that coeliacs are safe to eat here.”
She added: “It’s one thing saying you’re gluten free, but it’s another to have the official accreditation. It’s a nice feeling too – it’s something we’ve wanted to do for a while.”
Only seven other chip shops in the UK hold Gluten Free accreditation from Coeliac UK, an independent charity for people living gluten free. The accreditation process involves detailed inspections and documentation for the organisation to be certain that a venue adheres to its high standards.
Commenting on the audit, Carol said: “It was a long process. We had to show them all our procedures, and they checked our fridges and freezers to ensure our gluten free and gluten-containing items are stored separately. Our fryers, our tongs, our staff training — everything is looked at.”
Importantly, Carol described the process as supportive, adding: “They’re really supportive in helping you meet the standard. They don’t say, ’You’ve failed.’ If something needs improving, they tell you, and you send them proof once it’s sorted.”
Currently, around 85% of the menu at Finney’s Benllech is gluten free, and the team is actively working towards becoming 100% gluten free in the near future. “It’s really just gluten free wraps, baps and pies that I need to source, and then we’ll be 100% gluten free,” Carol explained. “I’m even trying to make gluten free pies myself – they’re a bit tougher and I’m not a pastry chef, but I’ll keep trying until I get it right.”
As they work towards a full gluten free menu, Carol is confident in her decision to cater to this market. “Being committed to gluten free means we’re not just a normal chip shop. That’s our unique selling point. People come to us because we’re gluten free, and it’s a growing market. Last year, a couple took two buses and spent two hours getting here just to eat with us.”
The shops have attracted attention from far and wide, including other business owners. Carol added: “A guy who has a few shops not far from us came to have a look at what we do because he’s thinking about potentially changing one of his shops to all gluten free. That shows me that if other people are looking at it, it’s not going away.”
