The ultimate wine and cheese evening

 When thinking about what could possibly be better than a glass of red after a long day in St James’s, our answer is, of course, is the perfect cheese to pair it with. Between platters of blue from Paxton and Whitfield, and Berry Bros & Rudd’s array of delectable swills, you need not leave central London when it comes to finding the finest wine and cheese in the city.  

Don’t just take it from us though. In this guide, you’ll discover the spots best loved by locals, along with their personal tips on how best to indulge in them. 

Pick up an artisan wheel from Paxton and Whitfield 

When it comes to cheese, Paxton and Whitfield know a thing or two. As London’s oldest cheese shop, with origins dating back to 1742, the store today operates from the same Jermyn Street branch, where fragrant wheels mature in the cellar, whilst window-shoppers are enticed by their seasonal array. When hosting guests or planning a dinner party, there’s nowhere better to source a tasty after dinner cheeseboard, selected with the expertise of their in-store cheesemongers. 

Discover rare-find wines from Berry Bros & Rudd  

If you’re someone who loves wine, you’ve likely heard of Berry Bros & Rudd. 

Situated at 63 Pall Mall, their bespoke wine shop is a destination for world class swills. Whether you’ve popped in for one of their complimentary wine tastings, or you’re yet to experience the abundance of their wine store, either way, you’re in for a treat. From rare gems tucked inside a climate-controlled wine room, to elevated classics, saved especially for date night, you’ll step out stocked-up, and perhaps a little merry too.

Discover the Fortnum & Mason food hall 

From British brie to potted stilton, Fortnum & Mason’s food hall mirrors all the magic of the wider department store. What’s more, once you’ve had your fill of the cheese counter, you can move on to the many shelves of fruit preserves, handmade chutneys, and hampers of salted crackers, completing your cheeseboard with condiments that taste as good as they look. Why not also elevate your tableware whilst you’re in safe hands? As they say, you eat with your eyes. 

Sip wine in the cellar of Davy’s at St James’s  

If you prefer your wine and cheese curated, set in the confines of one of London’s cosiest wine merchants, look no further than Davy’s at St James’s. With more than 40 wines by the glass, championed by a business spanning five generations, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and catch up. Nestled just below King’s Street, the space is candlelit come evening, with a menu offering a classic cheeseboard for afters. We’d also recommend leaning on the advice of their resident chefs if you’re looking for a gourmet British plate to pair nicely with your bottle. 

Finish with a tipple at DUKES Bar

Once you’re all stocked up on wine and cheese, it’s time to head home, open a bottle, and curate your choice cheeseboard. Or, if all that shopping has you in the mood for a tipple, why not stop by DUKES Bar for one of their famous martinis? After all, you’ve earned it.