Do you love a cheese board? Or maybe you dream of sticking your head in a pot of cheese fondue (I certainly do). Well, here are the best places for a cheese board in Leeds city centre.
I was a little stuck for blog post ideas, so decided to have a quick look at National food days that are coming up for inspiration.
Turns out, over the last week I've missed National BBQ Week, National Fish & Chips Day, National Doughnut Day and National Cheese Day.
Although I may have missed the boat, I couldn't resist doing a cheese round up for you. So I hope you're as much of a cheese fan as I am!
We wanted to let you know that we run guided and self-guided food tours around Leeds City Centre, perfect for those of you who enjoy eating great food! Click here for more information.
Friends of Ham
Probably the best known cheese (and charcuterie) spot in the city centre! Friends of Ham has been going for over 10 years, serving high quality meat and cheese boards alongside small plates and sandwiches.
Choose a set cheese board, or create your own from their cheese list. Cheese lovers would also love Friends of Ham's grilled cheese sandwich!
Friends of Ham have a fantastic wine list, and one of the best (maybe THE best?) selections of beer in Leeds as well.
The Cheesy Living Co.
If you are a cheese lover, a visit to The Cheesy Living Co. is a must. Situated in the beautiful Corn Exchange, and owned by Jake & Sophie, who started the business during lockdown.
All of their cheese comes from small, independent British farms and businesses. Either pick up some treats from their deli, or sit in for a cheese board or a sandwich.
They regularly hold fondue nights, do a fondue Sunday roast (I haven't tried this, but I really want to!), and do all sorts of pop up nights and supper clubs both at their own site and at other locations.
The Decanter
The Decanter is an independent wine bar on Park Row, and it's a fabulously cosy spot with an impressive and varied wine list.
But they also do a wonderful cheese board. Choose a cheese board, cheese & charcuterie board, or go all out on a huge sharing board designed for 4 or more people.
They have an amazing offer on a Wednesday: Buy a bottle of wine and get a free meat and cheese board worth £16. I've been in for this deal, and you really do get a full sized board, which is fantastic value for money.
For Cheese Shopping: Whitaker's
If you're taking your cheese home to eat in your PJs, head to Whitaker's in Kirkgate Market.
This is where I buy all my cheese from. They have a huge selection of cheeses, including lots of unusual ones, and are always happy to recommend something based on your tastes.
Bonus, it's really good value for money there (and you can pick up some freshly squeezed orange juice to go with your breakfast the next day).
About Leeds Food Tours
Before you go, let me remind you about food tours!
Leeds Food Tours runs guided and self-guided tours of the city centre, with all food included.
The food tours are ideal for locals who want to discover places they didn't know about and experience their city through new eyes, and for visitors who want to learn about the city via their tastebuds.
Guided Food Tours
Guided tours run on Saturday afternoons, taking around 4 hours and visiting a variety of venues: the oldest pub in Leeds, the wildest foodie shop around, a stall in Kirkgate market, and some incredible independent restaurants.
You'll visit six stops, with food included at all of them.
Self-Guided Food Tours
Self-guided tours are available seven days a week, to be done at your own pace.
Receive your tour pack, follow the map, and hand over the tokens at each venue.
As well as loads of food, you'll get fact cards telling you about each venue, as well as foodie facts and history.
You'll visit six stops, with food included at all of them.
Gifts
Food tours make a wonderful gift! Buy a digital gift voucher for the guided or self-guided tour, or purchase a self-guided pack to give straight to your recipient. There's no need to book ahead for the self-guided tour, they can do it whenever they are ready!
See you soon, maybe for some cheese?
Leeds Food Tours xx