Now, fore-warning – it’s going to brie pretty hard not to fill this article with cheesy puns. But I’ll do my best to keep it bearable for the lactose-intolerant. Over in West London, just off Chiswick High Road, a dairy-fuelled celebration of all things cheese touches down once a month. The Chiswick Cheese Market, or Cheesewickhits the streets to spread the gouda word of all things cheese-y. This month’s date for the market is fast approaching, with Cheesewick popping up this Sunday (October 20).
And that name? That’s no mere coincidence. After all, Chiswick was originally known as Cheesewick – which translates to ‘cheese farm’. (In fact, towns and villages ending with ‘wick’ are often referring to some kind of farm.) There was no other place a full-on cheese market could possibly take place.
Just picture it: a whole market, dedicated to all things cheese. Doesn’t that just sound grate!? And there’s more than just cheese producers and cheese-mongers toowith food vendors doling out cheese-filled delights and stands selling all of the possible trappings for the perfect cheese board. Whether you’re after a funky new cheese to try, some specialty sourdough crackers, the perfect wine to pair, local honey, or even the cheeseboard itself, there’s a stall for you.
Oh, and there are plenty of chances to simply wander around tasting cheese to your heart’s content. Yes, please!
A closer look at the Cheesewick stalls
Within the cheese stalls themselves there’s a huge range on offer. It sure ain’t your average supermarket cheese selection! But then, that’s the whole point, after all. Places like Cheese on the Wey, Nut Knowle Farm, and Bath Cheese Co showcase some of the best small-batch cheeses from the UK. Then there are the Italian offerings from the likes of Gastronomica and Drunk Cheese, French cheeses from the likes of Dispensamor and The French Comté, and much more. There’s even a Stanley Tucci-approved stall in the form of La Latteria/Thee Olive Tree who appeared on Tucci’s ‘Taste of Italy’ series.
And, since it bears repeating, these are just the cheese stalls! If you get hungry you can chow down on an epic grilled cheese courtesy of Grate & Grill or a pot of fondue-filled mac ‘n’ cheese from Mac Junkies. There’s even authentic Basque cheesecake from La Maritxu if you’ve still got room for dessert.
Honestly, can you think of a feta way to spend a day than being surrounded by cheese, cheese, and more cheese? Well, unless you’re lactose intolerant that is…
Head to the website and you’ll find an assortment of extra cheese-y information. They’ve got a ‘Cheese of the Month’ feature and a plethora of cheese-filled recipes, with a new addition to the compendium each month.
The Cheesewick market will next touch down in Chiswick, at Old Market Place, on October 20. In November the Cheesewick market will then return on November 17. The market runs from 9.30am to 3pm.
Further market dates take place on the third Sunday of each month.
