Cheese collection. Camembert, brie, gorgonzola and other cheeses on wooden background ()
Cheese is such a versatile food. From Lunchables providing me midday nourishment as a kid in the 90s to the adult version in the form of a charcuterie board. It brings flavor and texture to tacos, pasta dishes and salads, it gets breaded and deep-fried and so much more. Cheese has been a delicious part of life as far back as I can remember. Needless to say, I love cheese.
While walking around the Paddington area of London, I discovered a floating hub of cheese on the water near the little blue Paddington Bear statue: The Cheese Barge.
No matter if you just want a snack, a light meal, or a multi-course experience (all cheese-related), the Cheese Barge is here for you. I recommend starting with a three-British-cheese sampler with crackers and following that with the Smoked Lincolnshire Poacher cheese Spätzle. Then, you can share the Baked Baron Bigod cheese and finish the experience with a slice of milk chocolate cheesecake. The full menu is only available from 12-3 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m. Fret not, they offer cheese boards and different types of grilled cheese sandwiches, including my favorite, the Green’s Fior di Latte Mozzarella, smoked bacon and chili honey, all day. Don’t see one of these suggestions when you visit? They are constantly switching up the menu with new great items for you to try. The Cheese Barge also offers a variety of red, white and orange wines, as well as cocktails and beers to pair with your cheese.
On Thursdays, from late November through late March, they offer a set fondue menu only. Who doesn’t have fun with fondue? You get to choose from either the monthly special fondue or the two regular fondues served with a side of cauliflower or truffle mashed potatoes. You can then end your night with the apple and plum crumble.
The Cheese Barge is not a large vessel, so booking in advance is highly recommended, even if you want to hop on in-between meals for a grilled cheese sandwich. Go to thecheesebar.com/paddington to book your table.
For those in other areas of London or the U.K., the Cheese Barge is part of a larger community of cheese-based restaurants under “The Cheese Bar” brand. In London, you can enjoy a cheese-based meal on Columbia Road, at the Seven Dials Market and the Camden Stables Market. You can also find them in North Yorkshire.
