How to Talk to Your Cheesemonger

Your shortcut to ordering better cheese (without overthinking it)

Walk into a proper deli, and you’re faced with a wall of cheese and a quiet fear you’re about to choose the wrong thing.

Not three wedges in plastic. Not the same five names on repeat. A wall!

And that’s exactly where people hesitate.

“What do I ask?”
“What if I sound like I don’t know what I’m doing?”

Let’s clear that up straight away.

You’re not supposed to know.
That’s our job.

A cheesemonger isn’t there to test you; we’re there to guide you. Translate what you like into something you didn’t even know existed yet.

So if you ever find yourself standing in front of a counter (ours, ideally), here are five questions that will instantly change how you buy cheese.

1. “What’s tasting great right now?”

Cheese isn’t static. It’s alive. Seasonal. Ever-changing.

Milk changes with the weather, the grass, the animal, the time of year — and that means cheese does too.

Spring? You’ll see lighter, fresher cheeses coming through.
Winter? Richer, deeper, more indulgent styles.

A cheese that was good last month might be exceptional today.

Ask this question, and you’re not just buying cheese — you’re buying it at its best.

2. “How much do I actually need?”

This is where people either massively overbuy… or don’t get nearly enough.

A proper cheeseboard isn’t about quantity, it’s about balance.

As a rough guide:

  • 3 cheeses → perfect for most occasions
  • 4–5 cheeses → if you’re making a bit of a statement
  • Around 80–100g per person → unless it’s the main event (then go bigger)

But here’s the thing, context matters.

Dinner party? Grazing board? Centrepiece?
We’ll adjust portions, styles, and combinations so it actually works.

Ask us. It’s what we do all day.

3. “What should I have this with?”

Cheese on its own is good.
Cheese with the right pairing? That’s where it comes alive.

Sweet, salty, sharp, creamy, it’s all about contrast and balance.

You might discover:

  • A chutney that completely transforms a cheddar
  • Honey that softens a blue
  • Crackers that actually add something (not just a vehicle)

And this is where a proper deli earns its keep.

Because we don’t just sell cheese.
We taste everything alongside it.

4. “What’s your favourite at the moment?”

This is the question that unlocks the counter.

Because now you’re not choosing from a label, you’re choosing from experience.

You’ll get:

  • Something we’re genuinely excited about
  • Something you probably wouldn’t have picked yourself
  • Something that’s performing right now, not just sitting there

And more often than not, that’s where people find their new favourite.

5. “How do I keep this at its best?”

You’ve chosen well, don’t ruin it when you get home.

Cheese hates being suffocated in plastic.
It needs to breathe.

Best practice:

  • Keep it wrapped in proper cheese paper if you have it
  • Store it in the fridge (veg drawer is ideal)
  • Take it out 30–60 minutes before eating

Do that, and you’ll taste the cheese as it was meant to be eaten.

One final thing

You don’t need to know the names.
You don’t need to know the regions.
You don’t need to “get it right.”

You just need to say:

“I like this…”
“I didn’t enjoy that…”
“I’m after something for…”

We’ll do the rest.

Because the language of cheese isn’t complicated.
It’s just conversation.

And once you start asking the right questions, you’ll never buy cheese the same way again.

A few questions we get asked every day

Do I need to know anything about cheese before visiting a deli?

Not at all. That’s exactly what your cheesemonger is there for. You don’t need to know names, regions, or styles — just what you tend to enjoy (or avoid). Whether you like something mild and creamy or bold and punchy, we’ll guide you from there.

How many cheeses should I choose for a cheeseboard?

For most occasions, three cheeses is perfect. It gives you enough variety without overcomplicating things. If you’re hosting or want to make more of a feature, four or five works well. The key isn’t quantity — it’s balance.

How much cheese do I need per person?

As a general guide, allow around 80–100g per person if cheese is part of a meal, or a little more if it’s the main event. If you’re unsure, ask — we’ll portion it properly so nothing goes to waste (and no one goes without)

Can I ask for recommendations?

Always — and you should. A good cheesemonger will ask a few simple questions and then suggest cheeses that suit your taste, occasion, and budget. It’s not about selling you more — it’s about helping you choose better.

Can I try cheese before I buy it?

Yes. We want you to enjoy what you take home, so where possible, we’ll offer a taste. It’s one of the advantages of shopping in a proper deli — you’re not buying blind.

How should I store cheese at home?

Keep it wrapped in proper cheese paper if you have it, or baking paper as a good alternative. Avoid cling film where possible — cheese needs to breathe. Store it in the fridge (the vegetable drawer is ideal) and take it out 30–60 minutes before eating for the best flavour.

How long will cheese last once cut?

Most cheeses will last at least 7–10 days when stored properly, often longer depending on the style. Hard cheeses keep well, while softer cheeses are best enjoyed sooner. If in doubt, trust your senses — and if you’re unsure, just ask us.

What should I serve with cheese?

Simple is best. Good crackers, a chutney or two, maybe some fresh fruit. The aim is to complement the cheese, not overpower it. If you’d like help building a cheeseboard, we can guide you through pairings that really work.

What if I don’t like strong cheeses?


That’s absolutely fine — not all cheese is strong. There are plenty of mild, creamy, and approachable options that are perfect for getting started. Tell us what you like, and we’ll avoid anything too punchy.

What’s the easiest way to choose great cheese without overthinking it?

Let us choose for you. Our Cheesemonger’s Selection is designed exactly for that — you tell us your preferences, and we’ll build a balanced selection that works.

Not sure what to choose? Let us do it for you

If you’d rather skip the questions altogether, our Cheesemonger’s Selection does exactly that.

Just tell us:

  • How many cheeses would you like
  • The styles you enjoy
  • How adventurous are you feeling

We’ll choose cheeses that work together — properly balanced, properly portioned, and ready to enjoy

Try a Cheesemonger’s SelectionBrowse all our Cheeses