Gluten Free 4 U

Gluten Free 4 U is a bakery in Kew, Victoria, built around people who can't eat gluten. Coeliacs in particular tend to describe it as an easy place to shop, where you don't have to read every label twice. It's part of a larger national network, and the Kew shop works as a takeaway counter with a big freezer range alongside the fresh cabinet.

The range is broad. There's bread, including sourdough, plus pastries, cakes, doughnuts, vanilla slices and a good run of savoury items. The pies are a favourite, and one customer stocks up on them from the freezer to have on hand at home. One local reckoned the doughnuts were better than many traditional ones from regular bakeries, and the vanilla slices get repeat mentions too, with the iced one singled out as the pick. Dairy-free, soy-free and vegan options are catered for as well, which matters if you're juggling more than one dietary need. Not everything wins everyone over, and one regular finds the cookies and some of the smaller sweets less of a hit than the rest.

Custom cakes are a real strength. Birthday cakes made gluten and dairy free have drawn glowing comments for both looks and taste, and one family was particularly grateful for how patient and accommodating the staff were when ordering a cake for a 60th. Friendly service comes up often. Once in a while the shop can be slow to open its door or feel a bit quiet at the counter, so a little patience goes a long way.

Gluten-free baking costs more to make, and people tend to say the selection and quality justify it, with some calling it good value for what you get.

It's set up for easy visits, with takeaway and delivery on offer, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, free street parking nearby, and card and tap payments. The shop is closed on some days, so check the hours before you head in, especially if you're after fresh doughnuts or muffins, which can run out later in the day.