George and Joseph Cheese Tasting

The Cheesemongers George and Joseph have arrived at Ham and Friends bringing an artisan selection of cheeses to Leeds city centre. Here you will find a a fantastic range British, French and Swiss cheeses including popular varieties such as cheddar, gruyere, brie and blues as well as lesser known delicacies. 

We bought a selection of cheeses to take home to try and these included : Baron Blood Brie, Kileen, Summer Field and Etivaz.

Summer Field cheddar, as the name suggest is only made in the summer months. It has a distinct sunshine yellow colour and a robustly mature taste. The cheddar cheese is creamy in texture and I hear that it would make a perfect cheese toastie!

I am generally not a fan of goats cheese as i find the taste too ‘goaty’ but I was quite taken by the taste of Kileen. This pale goats cheese has a very light flavour and creamy texture.

The Baron Blood Brie is the only soft cheese of my tasting selection and is best eaten at room temperature. This pungent soft cheese melts in mouth texture and slight tang in flavour that which is not too overpowering and leaves you with a pleasant aftertaste.  

Finally we come to Etivaz which is my clear favourite of the bunch. This bergkase is full of flavour and has a pungent aroma. The salt crystals in the cheese add texture for a interesting mouth feel. This cheese would go very well in a soup.

Ham and Friends and other delicacies

You’ve heard of the land of milk and honey but let me tell you about  the delicious new foodie find right in the heart of Leeds. Ham and Friends is the third addition to the Friends of Ham empire and brings a fantastic selection of charcuterie, wines, beers and cheese to its food hall and kitchen. 

Ham and friends is also home to the Yorkshire Wine School, where as well taking part in wine tasting events you can also gain qualifications.  

George and Joseph, the first cheesemongers to Leeds City centre were most certainly worth waiting for! The cheese room offers a delectable selection of hard and soft cheeses made from cows, goats and sheep’s milk. Keep an eye out for my cheese tasting blog to follow!

The team from Ham and Friends and Friends of Ham host a selection of workshops and events including “Meet The Maker’ evenings where you can meet the suppliers and really sink your teeth into knowing where their food comes from. As part of the Leeds Independent Food festival Ham and Friends hosted a food photography course with photographer and stylist Victoria Harley (channel 4) 

A clear favourite of the morning that I spent at Ham and Friends was the coffee. The Darkwood coffee is roasted in the West Yorkshire Pennines and was ground for us on site for a beautifully fresh cup. 

The restaurant at Ham and Friends is to open at the end of May/ beginning of June and will incorporate seasonal produce from top quality suppliers who are specially chosen by owner Claire. 

From cured Italian meats to Spanish Chorizo Claire knows all of her suppliers personally and this translates in the way that Ham and Friends is not just about the delicious food but it is about the people too.  

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