The Grand Continental Cheeseboard

Seven European cheeses. A continent of flavour. One very grand cheeseboard.

Europe has given us some of the world's most celebrated cheeses. From the Alpine pastures of Switzerland to the dairies of France, the traditional cheesemakers of Spain and the rich blue cheeses of Italy, there's an extraordinary amount to discover.

And sometimes five cheeses simply aren't enough.

The Grand Continental Cheeseboard brings together seven distinctive European cheeses, selected by our cheesemongers to showcase the remarkable variety of flavours, textures and traditions found across the continent.

From creamy French Brie and the nutty character of Spanish Manchego to the distinctive richness of Gorgonzola, the mellow blue veining of Grand Noir and the unmistakable aroma of washed-rind cheese, this is a selection with plenty of personality.

We've also included a delicate French goat's cheese, adding another dimension to a cheeseboard that already offers an impressive range of styles.

And because we're cheesemongers, not simply hamper packers, every cheese has been chosen for the contribution it makes to the complete selection.

Seven cheeses. Approximately 1.7kg. A proper celebration of continental cheese.

Inside this cheeseboard you'll find

The cheeses

Starnachas (approx. 250g)

A Swiss-style cheese with a firm, smooth texture and beautifully developed nutty, savoury flavours.

Matured to bring out its distinctive Alpine character, Starnachas offers a satisfying depth of flavour with a gentle sweetness.

A lovely example of the qualities that make Alpine-style cheeses so popular.

Grand Noir (approx. 250g)

Made in Germany.

A distinctive blue cheese presented in its characteristic black wax coating.

Beneath that striking exterior is a wonderfully creamy cheese with delicate blue veining, rich flavours and a mellow, balanced tang.

An excellent choice for anyone who enjoys blue cheese without wanting something overwhelmingly strong.

Drunk Monk (approx. 250g)

A characterful washed-rind cheese with a rich aroma and complex flavour.

Washed with brandy during maturation, Drunk Monk develops a distinctive personality, combining savoury depth with a wonderfully smooth texture.

A cheese that brings something rather different to the selection.

French Brie (approx. 250g)

A classic pasteurised French Brie with a soft, bloomy rind and a rich, buttery interior.

Creamy and mellow, with gentle mushroomy notes, this is one of the great traditional styles of French cheesemaking.

An approachable favourite that provides a lovely contrast to the more mature and assertive cheeses in the collection.

Manchego (approx. 250g)

Made in Spain using milk from Manchega sheep.

One of Spain's most celebrated cheeses, Manchego has a firm texture and a distinctive nutty flavour, balanced by gentle sweetness and a satisfying savoury finish.

A wonderful example of the character that ewe's milk brings to traditional cheesemaking.

Bûche de Chèvre (approx. 200g)

A traditional French goat's cheese presented in its characteristic log shape.

Soft and creamy with a delicate white rind, Bûche de Chèvre offers a fresh, gently tangy flavour that becomes richer as the cheese matures.

A lovely addition that introduces the distinctive qualities of goat's milk to the cheeseboard.

Gorgonzola (approx. 250g)

Made in Italy.

One of Italy's most famous cheeses, Gorgonzola is a wonderfully rich, soft blue with a creamy, almost spoonable texture.

Its gentle sweetness and distinctive blue character create a beautifully balanced flavour, making it particularly good spread onto crackers or enjoyed with a little fruit preserve.

A fitting addition to this celebration of continental cheesemaking.

The accompaniments

A cheeseboard of this size deserves accompaniments that provide variety without distracting from the cheeses themselves.

• Two packs of artisan cheese crackers – Carefully selected to complement the different textures and flavours of the cheeses.
• The Garden Pantry Chutney – Handmade in Norfolk, providing a delicious sweet and savoury contrast.
• Candi's Chutney – Produced in Norfolk by Candi Robertson, bringing additional depth and character to the cheeseboard.
• Eastgate Larder Medlar Jelly (small jar) – Made by Jane Steward in Eastgate, Norfolk. A traditional English preserve with a delicate sweetness that works particularly well with mature and blue cheeses.

Together, these accompaniments turn an impressive collection of European cheeses into a complete cheeseboard experience.

Freshly cut by our cheesemongers

There's an important difference between buying a box of cheese and buying cheese from a proper cheesemonger.

At The Norfolk Deli, most of our cheeses are cut by hand specifically for your order, either on the day of dispatch or the day before.

We don't simply take a selection of pre-packed cheeses off a shelf and put them into a box.

Your cheeses are selected, cut and packed by people who work with artisan cheese every day.

All quoted weights are approximate, reflecting the nature of hand-cut cheese.

Cut cheeses will have a minimum shelf life of 10 days from cutting.

For advice on storing and enjoying your selection, read our guide: The Truth About Unrefrigerated Cheese.

Packaging, delivery and gifting

We believe the cheese should be the impressive part, not the packaging.

You won't find unnecessary wicker baskets or elaborate presentation materials here.

Instead, your cheeses are carefully packed in an appropriately sized box, using insulation and ice packs to help protect them during their journey.

It's a practical approach that puts the quality and condition of the cheese first.

The price includes postage and packing, and you can add a personalised handwritten gift message at no additional charge.

Whether you're entertaining friends, sending a gift to a serious cheese enthusiast or simply looking to explore some of Europe's most interesting cheesemaking traditions, The Grand Continental Cheeseboard is a delicious way to discover just how much variety European cheese has to offer.