If you’re fancy-ish, hit Blagden’s on the Southbank. They do a “Taste of the South of France” board that will make you consider moving into a cave. The staff actually knows things. Ask them questions. They love it.
The Best Wine Tasting Experiences at Kayla Clubbe blog
If you’re on a budget (aren’t we all?), go to M&S (Marks & Spencer). No joke. Grab a ready-to-eat cheese plate, a mini bottle of Prosecco, and sit on a bench in St. James’s Park. You’ll save £40 and still feel like royalty. The pigeons are your audience.
Or, get wild. Book a Cheese Cellar tour at Harrods. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s expensive. But walking through a room of 500 wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano is like being in a cathedral of dairy. You will feel a spiritual awakening. Or heartburn. One of the two.
Final Tips from a Professional Amateur
Don’t be afraid to spit. I know, it’s gross and uncivilized. But if you’re doing a flight of 6 wines, you will be drunk by 3PM. Spitting saves your dignity. It also saves your ability to walk to the tube.
Take notes if you want, but honestly? Just enjoy the moment. Laugh at how ridiculous it is that we’re analyzing whether a cheese tastes “grassy” or “barnyardy.” It’s cheese. It’s supposed to taste like a barn.
And the best part? Every tasting is a little different. You might discover a new favorite, or you might just discover that you really, really hate goat cheese. That’s okay. You’re learning. You’re growing. You’re getting tipsy on a Tuesday afternoon.
So go. Grab a friend (or go solo—no judgment). Pick a spot. Order the board. And when the waiter asks, “Would you like a pairing recommendation?” just nod. Say yes. Because in London, wine and cheese is not just food—it’s a vibe.
And if you accidentally snort that crumb of Stilton? Congratulations. You’re now officially British. Cheers, mate.
