The Olive Tree Berkhamsted

AVOID IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIES. We had a very bad experience here today. As a Coeliac, unable to eat gluten, I asked if I could have the GF chicken, GF salad and GF chips without the gluten wrap and was told ‘no’. When I asked why they said ‘it depends if they’re busy’ (I looked around and saw only five other tables). When I queried this I was told ‘they couldn’t deconstruct the dish’. So I asked does it come into the restaurant pre-assembled? They said ‘no it’s all fresh and put together by the chef’. So I asked why they simply couldn’t assemble it without the wrap? The answer was ‘because they weren’t allowed’. So we got to our feet to leave only for an apparently more senior young woman to arrive to speak to us, who at least was not impolite and wearing a dirty apron like the first waitress and we had the same mad conversation again. I told her I felt that what they were saying was nonsensical. She asked ‘if I wanted her to ask again if they could serve me’. I said no as they’d refused me twice and I had lost all trust as I’ve never heard so much nonsense in my life. I’ve worked in Greece and have always been catered for in a helpful and friendly fashion - but apparently this isn’t possible in Berkhamsted. I felt discriminated against and angry by how they’d treated me and their weird reasoning. I only hope that they and nobody they love is unfortunate enough to have an allergy and be treated this way. They should be ashamed. We then went a few doors down to Pizza Express and were greeted by a charming man whose first question was ‘any allergies?’ who explained the huge variety of GF menu options and brought us a delicious meal with a smile!

Always fresh and delicious food. Family friendly, great options for kids and gluten free. Perfect for a special lunch or dinner. Booking is a must to avoid disappointment.