In 2014 founder Mathew Carver and his converted 1970’s ice cream van ‘Alfie’ set out on a mission to celebrate and promote the best of British cheese by making the most irresistible grilled cheese sandwiches in London. Fast forward 3 years and after a successful crowdfunding campaign, (reaching his funding target of £130,000 in just 5 days) Mathew will open his first permanent restaurant ‘The Cheese Bar’ in the historic Grade 1 listed Camden Stables Market this February.
The full cheese focused menu will feature ‘Alfie’ classics such as festival favourite the Cropwell Bishop Stilton, Bacon & Pear Chutney sandwich; alongside new dishes, including Queso Fundido, a Mexican version of fondue; and a Breakfast Poutine (bacon gravy, candied pancetta, Gringa dairy cheese curds and a fried egg). For those with a sweet tooth, desserts will include a dark chocolate ice cream sundae made with honey and creamy ewes milk cheese, Beenleigh Blue.
The restaurant’s menu will make a point of championing a new breed of urban cheese makers, crafting produce within the M25, including La Latteria, Gringa Dairy in Peckham and Kupros, who produce 100% English sheep’s milk Halloumi. The restaurant itself will feature a large marble topped bar, exposed brick walls and floor to ceiling display fridges housing over thirty of Mathew’s favourite British cheeses, as well as a changing selection of twenty craft beers.
Founder Mathew Carver says, “I can’t wait to be opening The Cheese Bar, it’s a dream come true! ‘Alfie’ and I have had some amazing adventures over the last three years; from the fields of Glastonbury to the deserts of the middle East, we’ve served over 150,000 sandwiches and melted over 20 tonnes of British cheese. Now we’re ready to leave the trucks at home and set up shop in Camden Town”