From creamy mozzarella to tangy feta, there’s nothing the nation loves more than a cheeseboard or two. And with so many types of cheese to sample, often, your generic supermarket just isn’t going to cut it. Behold: London’s specialist cheese shops and restaurants.
In celebration of National Cheese Day on 4 June, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best cheese shops and restaurants you can find in the UK’s capital. Just a word of warning: it’s best not to read this when you’re hungry…
Best cheese shops in London
Our guide begins with the best London cheese mongers. While cheese shops are something of a rare gem these days, we’ve managed to source a handful of shops which are easy to get to by public transport.
Paxton & Whitfield
As the oldest cheesemongers in London, Paxton & Whitfield have been serving up a storm since they opened back in the 18th century. Their delicious selection of artisan cheeses including special hampers and gifts – not to mention the shop’s stunning window-front – has made Paxton & Whitfield a firm favourite with Londoners and beyond. In fact, Winston Churchill was even rumoured to shop here back in the day!
Our nearest station to Paxton & Whitfield is London Waterloo. From here, it’s an 11-minute tube journey via the Bakerloo Line towards Piccadilly Circus Station.
Paxton & Whitfield
Hamish Johnston
Want to support a family-run, independent business? Pay a visit to Hamish Johnston, where their tempting selection of artisan and farmhouse cheeses will be sure to satisfy your cravings. Not only do they have a huge range of fresh cheeses on offer, but this quirky cheese shop also creates specialist cheese towers which make for a memorable wedding cake.
To get here, catch the train to Clapham Junction and walk for 13 minutes to reach your destination.
Hamish Johnston
Neal’s Yard Dairy
If you’re looking for cheese tasting in London, then Neal’s Yard is just the place! Book your spot and get your tastebuds tingling with a whole selection of delicious cheeses sourced from around the UK and Ireland, from creamy and mild to nutty and rich.
Beginning as just a singular shop in Convent Garden back in the 80s, the incredible cheese selection at Neal’s Yard’s soon gained a reputation with cheese lovers near and far, and they’ve now expanded across the whole of London.
To get to Borough Market shop, catch a train to London Waterloo, before hopping on a 10-minute tube to London Bridge. Alternatively, for the Convent Garden shop, it’s just a 10-minute tube ride to Leicester Square.
Brindisa Cheese & Charcuterie
Take a trip to the Mediterranean with this Spanish inspired cheese shop in Borough Market. Featuring an incredible offering of cheeses, as well as cured meats, olive oils, honey and nuts, Brindisa Cheese & Charcuterie is the best place to go if you’re prepping for a dinner party to impress.
Our nearest train station to Brindisa Cheese & Charcuterie is London Waterloo. Afterwards, switch to the tube and take a 19-minute journey on the northern line to Balham.
Best cheese restaurants in London
Want to try before you buy? Here are some of the best cheese restaurants in the UK’s capital.
La Fromagerie, Marylebone
If a day of sampling cheeses is your idea of heaven, then a trip to La Fromagerie should be on the cards. Get seated and comfortable at your chosen restaurant and tempt your tastebuds with a range of mouth-watering cheeses, from fresh pappardelle to baked camembert with crusty baguettes.
With multiple venues across London, getting to La Fromagerie couldn’t be easier. If you’re journeying to the Moxon Street location, simply catch the train to London Waterloo, before hopping on a tube to Bond Street via the Jubilee line.
Oli Baba’s, Camden Market
For some of the tastiest deep-fried cheese in London, head to Oli Baba’s. This charming Middle Eastern food venue credit themselves as being the original creators of halloumi fries – so they’re surely worth a visit. Unsurprisingly, their golden sticks of cheesy goodness get a lot of attention on the internet, so you never know what celebrities you might bump into here.
To get to Oli Baba’s, catch the train to London Waterloo, before hopping on a 14-minute tube to Camden Town via the Northern line.
Oli Baba’s
Pick & Cheese, Covent Garden
A mini market that serves an endless supply of cheese? It sounds too good to be true – but it’s not!, At Pick & Cheese, you can enjoy an infinite selection of the finest cheeses, all delivered on a 40-metre conveyor belt in the very heart of London’s West End. The options seem infinite, and a food coma is most certainly guaranteed.
Pick & Cheese is just a 10-minute tube ride away from London Waterloo. To get here, catch the tube to Edgware via the Northern line and get off at Leicester Square.
Still not enough cheese for you? At Alpes, their entire purpose is to melt Swiss cheese over everything in sight – so you’re guaranteed to get your fix in the best way possible. With the restaurant uniquely located in a funky shipping container park in Brixton, it’s not just the food that will leave a lasting impression!
To get here, catch the train to Vauxhall, before hopping on a five-minute tube journey via the Victoria line to Brixton.
Make the most of public transport and jump on a train to begin your delicious cheese-filled day in the capital. Explore our flexible range of ticket types to find the right one for your journey. Make the most of cheap train tickets to your chosen cheese shop or restaurant by going off-peak, and those with a Railcard could save even more.
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