I stayed at the Earl of Doncaster for a night in December for work. I only emailed them about my food intolerances a couple of days in advance as I was putting off the idea of having to eat out. The Receptionist, Diane was very helpful from the first email through to checking out. Unfortunately the were no fridges in rooms, but she said that they could keep any food for me in their fridges, and that they would also be able to provide me with an evening meal.
On arrival Diane knew exactly who I was, and pointed me out to waiting on staff. I handed over my LactoFree milk labelled with my name and room number.
After going out to watch Liverpool vs Manchester United (3-1!!) we went back to the hotel for our meals. We were all provided with a Christmas dinner through work. I do not know whether the vegetables are always dairy free or whether they just did them dairy free for me. The gravy contained yeast so the chef made a sauce for my beef. You cannot really tell from the photo as I barely had any on it. I do not like having my food different than usual when I am away, but I was especially careful because I had an exam the next morning. We all enjoyed our meals and had no room for any pudding. I like communication when it comes to ordering food and then receiving it, just to settle my silly head. The waitress definitely did that which was fab.
I was not sure whether to post this or not, but I did not have the best of experiences the next morning. When I took my cereal down for breakfast and asked the waitress for my milk she could not find it. The staff spent 45 minutes checking fridges to find which fridge it had gone in but with no luck. The newspaper shop next door was closed, and the nearest shops were a 25 minute walk away. So I was nervous enough about my exam, and then even more anxious because I was hungry and worried about the prospect of my tummy rumbling in the exam and distracting everyone. with 15 minutes before my taxi was due I was offered a staff member’s soya milk. Technically I can have it, but my IBS is not very keen, so I used the smallest amount I could get away with just so I could have some normality by having breakfast. When I went downstairs to check out Diane had just started work and had bought me a milk on her way in which was so so thoughtful of her, but unfortunately my stomach was wound up to the max and I was on my way for the taxi to my exam. Next time I will either take a flask or try the long life LactoFree.
Intolerance with Confidence 