The Glasshouse Cafe - Lower Hutt

I had a terrible experience today at The Glasshouse cafe in California Garden Centre Lower Hutt, I cried when we left I was so frustrated and hungry! We got there and I asked what was gf on the menu as nothing stated it was, I asked about the fries (not gf which was fine) then I asked about the falafel burger and the waitress checked with the kitchen and I was told it was gf but the buns weren’t but I could swap it out for gf toast but I’d have to pay an extra dollar for the toast even though I couldn’t have the fries . Long story short we waited 50mins for them to then come and tell us they were about to start our meal but the chef had given incorrect info and the falafel wasn’t gf and then I asked what else I could have and they didn’t seem to know so I was asked if I wanted our money back after we had already had coffees and paid and waited for ages, they didn’t know how to make the refund it took 10mins to sort it whilst they two chefs looked at me the whole time like I was the issue and they were annoyed with me. I was calm and polite the whole time as was my waitress but the kitchen staff and I believe one was the owner of the business were horrible. They wouldn’t take ownership that they did anything wrong. If I’d arrived and they said they couldn’t serve me anything I wouldn’t have been upset I would have just left they waisted my family’s time and mad me feel upset and angry.

Glashaus has new owners and now offers 8 different gluten-free slices and kissen, all served in separate glass domes and with dedicated gluten-free tongs. They also have a variety of gluten-free dishes available in the cabinet. There's a menu too, but I didn’t try it; however, it does indicate that you should ask about gluten-free options. The ginger kiss and chocolate cookie (which you can find in a cellophane bag at the counter) are absolutely delicious. I've emailed them, and they confirmed that a gluten-free menu is available, along with some lovely gluten-free bread. Although the kitchen doesn't specialize in gluten-free food, they do take precautions to minimize cross-contamination if you inform them that you are gluten-free or coeliac.

To make a long story short, we waited 50 minutes only to be told that they had started our meal but the cook had given incorrect information: the falafel was actually not gluten-free. I then asked what other options were available, but they seemed unsure. Eventually, I was offered a refund, but after we had already paid for our coffee and had to wait longer while they figured out how to process it. They wouldn't acknowledge that they had made a mistake. If they had told me upon arrival that they couldn't serve me anything suitable, I wouldn't have been upset; I would have simply left. Instead, I felt like I wasted my time and my family's time, and it left me feeling really angry.

Glass House has new owners and offers a delightful selection of gluten-free options. They have eight different gluten-free slices and cakes available, each showcased under separate glass domes, with dedicated gluten-free tongs for serving. In addition to the sweet treats, there is also a variety of gluten-free savory dishes displayed in the cabinet. There is a menu as well, although I haven’t tried any dishes from it; it indicates that you can ask for gluten-free options. I highly recommend the ginger kisses and the chocolate cookie, which is conveniently packaged in a cellophane bag at the counter—they are both delicious! I reached out to them via email, and they confirmed that a gluten-free menu is available. They also offer nice gluten-free bread, and while the kitchen is not entirely gluten-free, they do take precautions to limit cross-contamination if you let them know that you are gluten-free or celiac.