After taking your first step into the Brisbane Arcade, the noise of the CBD instantly falls away. This heritage-listed shopping centre is filled with it’s classic old charm and every store inside follows suit. As you walk down the hallway and up the stairs, the timber staircases and stained glass are the perfect precursor to the vintage setting of Room with Roses.

Room with Roses is simply exquisite. The Victorian ambiance welcomes you with it’s stained glass, chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, stunning three-tiered cake stands and roses galore. Looking around, there are ribbon sandwiches, homemade scones, savoury tartlets and more across every table… A coeliac’s worst nightmare, in most cases. However, upon perusing the menu you will notice that there are a surprising number of gluten free options! After speaking with the staff, I was extremely impressed with the care that was taken to provide a safe delicious meal for gluten intolerant and coeliacs, alike. Room with Roses not only cater to the gluten free but those with coeliac disease, as they take extra care in preparing each gluten free ingredient separately and safely. Baking days are alternated so that the gluten free items are prepared in a clean, contaminant-free environment and are then stored in specially marked containers and served using dedicated utensils. My meal was so lovely and identical to the standard option that I had to be convinced multiple times that yes, my meal was certainly 100% gluten free. It’s elegance and taste were competing, as every morsel was a delight!

Upon speaking with the owner, she informed me that providing gluten free options for coeliacs is a passion of hers and a must for her restaurant. Years ago she and a friend had a shocking experience that sparked this addition to the menu. She had booked high tea for herself and a friend three weeks in advance and they were full of anticipation for lovely afternoon outing together. Unfortunately that didn’t turn out to be the case. The standard High Tea arrived and it was lovely, as to be expected. However, the gluten free option was exactly the opposite. As she enjoyed petit fours and ribbon cakes, her friend was served ham and gluten free crackers – a feeling we coeliacs and gluten intolerant all know too well! This was absolutely shocking and a complete disappointment to both of them, especially considering the establishment had been notified of her friend’s gluten free needs and the booking was made in plenty of time for alternatives to be prepared. 

As special care is required, and taken, at Room of Roses, please note that in order to enjoy such a unique delight, you must book with at least 24 hours notice. But be assured the gluten free version of the Deluxe High Tea will include each of the options listed on the standard menu. It is truly a unique treat for a coeliac to enjoy the confectionary delights as everyone else is. But what if you are not in the mood for High Tea? Room with Roses has several other options that are naturally gluten free, including the crepes and lemon roulade – you’ll be spoilt for choice! 

So for your next afternoon out with the ladies, baby shower or bridal luncheon, book a table at Room with Roses in the Brisbane Arcade for a satiating spread of gluten free delights. 

http://roomwithroses.com.au/