PGL gained Gluten Free Accreditation in 2025, making them the first UK residential kids’ camp to achieve this. Below, we hear from Tracey McCormick, Head of Catering at PGL, on what Gluten Free Accreditation means to them and their customers.
How did you find the process of achieving Gluten Free Accreditation?
The team at Coeliac UK were hugely supportive every step of the journey. There was plenty of opportunity to ask questions and confirm understanding. Communication was such that it never felt overwhelming, you just work through a step at a time, and it all comes together. Support was coaching in nature, never critical. I have a really positive relationship with the team at Coeliac UK, and it feels like our positivity and commitment is truly valued by them.
Why is Gluten Free Accreditation important to you?
At PGL Beyond, which brings together our four brands, PGL, NST, Esto and StudyLink Tours, we’re driven by our purpose to unlock potential in young people through transformational outdoor learning experiences, breaking down any barriers that stand in their way. Working with Coeliac UK enables us to confidently welcome children with coeliac disease to participate in school trips, group trips, family adventures, and kids’ camps knowing we have their every need covered.
Coeliac UK’s Gluten Free Accreditation gives our customers peace of mind when sending their young children with coeliac disease to PGL (or indeed coming themselves on a family break!) – a unique selling point to our business. Often those living with coeliac disease need to spend hours researching suitable restaurants or cafes, or compromise on their experience by taking ‘safe’ foods with them. The Gluten Free Accreditation trademark displayed on our menus, website, and entrance doors gives confidence that our centres meet Coeliac UK’s rigorous requirements.
We are determined to extend the impact of our experiences to as many young people as possible, supporting their individual needs no matter what they are, so they can participate the same as their peers. We believe outdoor adventure can have a long lasting, positive impact on their lives and that every child should be able to experience an outdoor residential to help build their independence and confidence.
In addition, I know what a great job our chefs and catering teams do every day, managing such high guest numbers and complex medical dietary needs. Gluten Free Accreditation gives them external recognition and a reason to be proud of the work they do.
How have your customers responded to you achieving Gluten Free Accreditation?
Our customers have responded with such positivity. When they reach out to understand if their young person with coeliac disease will be safely catered for during their PGL stay, they can be very anxious – it could be their child’s first time away from home, or they may have had a negative experience at different establishments in the past. When they learn of our accreditation, you can often hear them breathe a sigh of relief – they know that we are as passionate about guest safety in our dining rooms as they are, we understand their needs, and there will be safe food options available. Giving parents the opportunity to relax, that peace of mind and confidence is key.
Has Gluten Free Accreditation helped you reach new customers?
Yes, it has enabled more children to attend. Previously some children may have missed out and stayed at home while the rest of their class went on the residential, but now they can have the confidence to attend.
I don’t believe there are many options in the UK for a family holiday venue that is Coeliac UK approved. Our Barton and Caythorpe Centres offer ‘family’ holiday breaks during Easter and summer school holidays. I hope we can reach these families within the gluten free community so they can stay with us and spend time outdoors without the worry of spending hours looking for safe places to eat or having to bring their own snacks to eat in their room.
Do you have any advice for those considering Gluten Free Accreditation?
As long as you have a robust food safety management system in place and a positive food safety culture, I would thoroughly recommend. All our premises have a 5-star food hygiene rating, and this felt like a logical next step so we can ensure we are as inclusive as possible for our customers.
Tracey McCormick,
Head of Catering at PGL