I have a severe intolerance to lactose in milk. DH and I often visit historic houses and gardens, travel all over mainland UK visiting cafes and restaurants. It seems that any cafe or restaurant is asking whether you have any allergies. I always say "Lactose, do you have lactose free milk?" The answer is always the same, although the product sometimes varies; "yes, we have Soya milk or Oat milk". I don't ask if they have plant drinks, I don't like them and I'm not vegetarian or vegan. All I want is to enjoy a nice milky coffee, instead, I end up with a fruit tea which I am heartily fed up with. 9 times out of 10 the option is either lemon & ginger or berry of brand I have at home. I decided to contact everywhere I visit by email and ask for lactose free milk to be made available as I am not the only person in UK who is lactose intolerant. 3 nationwide groups so far have been sent an email and 3 have not bothered to reply. I have just phoned the first 2 and both have apologised for the discrimination, their words, not mine, and are forwarding my request for lactose free milk to be made available. I do hope to be able to enjoy a nice hot latte in the near future, but in the meantime I will be asking for a mug of hot water when I purchase coffee for DH and using my own fruit teabag. Can any of Gransnetters who also have lactose intolerance and would prefer real milk to also contact organisations they visit requesting lactose free milk. If we make enough noise, hopefully we will soon be able to enjoy our favourite cuppa wherever we go.
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