The Cheese Barge

A Friday in London Town & it's a hot, humid evening. 

This weather makes me a bit grumpy. Grumpier some would say.

There's a light on the horizon though because I'm headed here for an early bite to eat. On the water. In the shade.

https://www.thecheesebar.com/paddington/

It's one of those amazing secret parts of this wonderful capital which, in more than thirty years, I've never seen before. A 96ft double decker vessel moored on The Regent’s Canal.

You can book to eat downstairs & indoors or, as a friend & me did, opt to climb a metal stairway & head upwards & outdoors to enjoy a breeze. There's also the added bonus of watching amateur sailors trying to navigate The Regent's Canal in hired boats. Most had picnics & drinks onboard. Most were on their phones ignoring the sights & sounds around them which was a great pity. 

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/little-venice

To matters of import - mainly eating cheese.

We had a great gentleman looking after us who recommended a good Rosé (Corbieres - Chateaux Ollieux Romanis) plus four cheeses and chutneys to match.

On a steamy early evening, this was perfect.

Bix - Paired with: Pear & Brandy Jam

Katherine - Paired with: Quince Jelly

Gorwydd Caerphilly - Paired with: Fig Chutney

Maida Vale - Paired with: Ampleforth Beer Chutney

Once our cheese board had arrived at the table, our friendly & informative waiter even suggested the way we worked our way around it ..

"Go anti-clockwise to get the maximum taste of the cheeses & the wine together."

Advice duly noted & taken.

It's incredible to think now that the cheeses from Blighty were once spurned by our nearest neighbours. 

We should be celebrating the wonderful & extraordinary produce created here .. take a glance at this ..

https://www.thecheesebar.com/our-cheese/ 

There must be a return visit to the barge before the season is out. 

It's an absolute gem of a place & shuts during the colder months.

Colder months .. I yearn for them.

AMM