Castleton woman champions gluten‑free living during Coeliac Awareness Month

Lizzie Watson, who runs award-winning zero‑waste refill shop and 100% gluten‑free bakery, Off The Scale in Castleton, has lived a gluten-free life since 2003.

A gluten-free diet is essential for people suffering from Coeliac disease, a common autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues upon consuming gluten.

This attack damages the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption. The only treatment is a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet.

For people living with coeliac disease, even small amounts of gluten can cause serious health problems, making cross‑contamination a constant concern when buying baked goods.

Lizzie said: “Everything I bake at Off The Scale is gluten free, gluten containing ingredients are never welcome in my kitchen, which allows my customers to shop with confidence.”

Lizzie bakes every day, using her own secret recipes perfected over the last few years. She also uses recipes from Sunday Times Best Selling Author Becky Excell with who Lizzie has forged a firm friendship, founded on their need to remove gluten from their diets.

Becky Excell, who has long-championed the gluten-free lifestyle through her popular Gluten Free Cuppa Tea website, said: “Having my name even remotely tied to a place like Off The Scale is an absolute honour!

“Dedicated gluten-free businesses understand that being gluten-free is not a choice - it is essential for our health and wellbeing.

“It's so much more than just having a slice of cake: it's about being able to enjoy food without the stress of having to ask 20 questions about cross-contamination before ordering.

“During Coeliac Awareness Month, it is brilliant to be able to shine a spotlight on small businesses like Lizzie's.

“Places like Off The Scale show that gluten-free food can be safe, exciting, inclusive and delicious, and I am so proud to see my recipes playing even a small part in that.

In addition to using some of Becky Excell’s recipes in the bakery, the shop also stocks Becky Excell’s gluten‑free cookbooks, giving customers the opportunity to recreate safe, gluten‑free favourites at home using tried‑and‑tested recipes (https://glutenfreecuppatea.co.uk/books/).

Castleton resident Steph Raw said: “While living gluten free it's absolutely fantastic to have the chance to eat such a wide variety of delicious cake, bread and custard slices!“

Angel Lowe, who travels to Castleton from Scarborough to enjoy Lizzie’s specialist treats said: “I'm sure I'm not the only person who travels to Off the Scale to buy delicious, reasonably-priced gluten free bakes.

“Though my 62 mile round trip from Scarborough might sound a bit of an epic journey, it's so worth it.

“So many places claim to have gluten free food but don't understand how cross contamination can be a huge danger for coeliacs, so knowing that Lizzie is gluten free herself makes me feel 100% safe. I can really enjoy bakes and cakes without worrying.”

The focus on gluten‑free food comes as May marks Coeliac Awareness Month, an annual campaign led by national charity Coeliac UK to raise awareness of coeliac disease and the importance of safe gluten‑free options.

By combining gluten‑free baking, sustainability and practical support for everyday living, Off The Scale Castleton shows how small, owner‑run businesses can make a meaningful difference — offering not just food, but reassurance.

Customer Lydia Hewison said: “I'm sure Lizzie thinks I eat far too much cake, especially her unbelievably good battenburg(!), but I can't tell you how grateful I am to have such a lovely shop so close to home.

“I was diagnosed with Coeliac disease in 2018 and struggled for a long time to find any sweet treats that tasted as good as the real thing. Then came along Lizzie and Off the Scale - offering fresh and tasty treats as well as a kind and knowledgeable understanding of Coeliac disease herself.

“She has created a real local gem, not only does she bake savouries and cakes that are yummy her shop is also filled with many local handmade gifts, and everyone who comes into the shop never leaves without feeling part of her community.

“Her business has become a social lifeline for many local residents and we are all super proud of her."

More information about coeliac disease and Coeliac Awareness Month can be found on the Coeliac UK website.

Find out more about Off the Scale and this week’s bakes at https://www.facebook.com/offthescalecastleton