Cheese?? Yes please!

Last weekend we had a little birthday break in Wales - see here and here  - and while we were reluctantly driving home we stumbled across Monkland cheese & dairy farm. When I say stumble it was more like we were drawn in out of pure curiosity, and it wasn't due to hunger thanks to Muiread & Ciaran's mega breakfast! We were hit by a smell that I can only describe as burying your nose in a box of Camembert with a slight Stilton top, it's not to everyone's taste, but as two huge cheese lovers we at least had to stop and see (and buy half the shop!).

It was just off the main road, a very small driveway and car park with a little shop and a few tables and benches outside - for the size of the place it was busy! They were constantly serving, but there was never a queue and there were loads of samples to try or you could try before you buy on any of the cheeses at the counter. They also did tea, sandwiches / lite bites and homemade cakes, which all looked delicious!

We ended up trying about five different cheeses and walking away with three (even though we could have bought the whole counter!) - a smoked Hereford, Isle of Avalon and a Blue Monk - I think I have the names right? Either way they all tasted amazing, especially with some of my Aunty's home made plum, apple, date & apricot chutney we already had in the cupboard.

We also bought some crackers and a home made mustard - they also sell jams, chutneys, home made ciders and wines, and biscuits.

Definitely a great place for a pit-stop when driving through - check out the website they do cheese experience days!

http://www.monklandcheesedairy.co.uk