The much lauded toasties at Nettlebed Creamery have been tantalising us on socials for a while now. We knew about the incredible cheesemakers of course, their award winning produce on menus, and deli counters, all over Oxfordshire and further afield.
But we’d never visited The Cheese Shed before, their covered cafe even more enticing once the sun comes out thanks to their extensive outdoor space.
One of the few perks of lockdown, Nettlebed Creamery had to think outside the box, setting up the outdoor cafe as an emergency measure. And it was such a success that there it still remains, continually increasing in popularity, feeding the masses with great gusto.
‘I’m afraid we forewent the exercise and zoomed straight in on the toasties’
And so we wound our way down through South Oxfordshire, ready to put our money were our mouths were, and try it out for ourselves.
Arriving to find dog walkers, ramblers, parents with pushchairs and family groups gathered for a good hike before settling in at the cosy Cheese Shed hub, the extensive car parking options cater for its rural location. You can choose from three walking routes on their website (2.5, 4.5 and 6 miles respectively), but I’m afraid we forewent the exercise and zoomed straight in on the container kitchen and serving hatch to see what was on offer.
‘If this isn’t the best way The way to champion local produce, we don’t know what is’
What flavour toasted sandwich would we have? What fillings could we choose from? There was only one as it went, THE TOASTIE (of course) although maybe it should have been called THE MOTHER OF ALL TOASTIES – three of those then.
Made with a blend of Highmoor and Witheridge organic cheeses (made on site), with organic butter and locally produced bread, it’s priced £6.95 and arrives in a paper bag on a paper plate. No airs and graces here, instead Nettlebed Creamery let the toasties do the talking.
There are lots of sauces on offer if you fancy spicing things up a bit, from ketchups and brown sauces to hot sauce and everything in between, but we didn’t want to hide the flavour as we bit into the unctuous, oozing, cheesy filling flowing out in a wonderful, stretchy tide of flavour.
The Highbury is a plump, washed-rind, milder cheese, while the stronger Witheridge, aged in hay, has the strength of a mature cheddar, with notes of an Alpine cousin. Together the pairing ensures exactly the right consistency so that it doesn’t all spill out, without staying rubbery and firm.
Pulling the two halves aside we dived in, the butter oiling the outside perfectly, giving an almost fried taste. Humble but heavenly.
We accompanied it with cups of flavoursome tomato and basil soup (£3.75)and some sterling smoothies (£5.95) – a PINK ENERGY – strawberries, blueberry, banana, raspberry, blackcurrant, chia seeds and lots of other goodies, the SUPERBOOST – which included cherry, banana, blueberry carrot, goji berry, ginseng and flax seeds, as well as a delicious iced vanilla latte.
Once finished, we perused the exciting shop; so many goodies, all made by bespoke independent companies, as well as the extensive cheese shop and even an ice cream parlour, leaving heaving with goodies. If this isn’t the best way to champion local produce, we don’t know what is!
Not so much a dining experience as the perfect stop off, whether you’re driving nearby and need a quick pit stop, a day out or an adventure, it’s an inspiring place. All its packaging is recyclable, its products homemade or locally sourced, its staff charming, its clientele appreciative and eclectic. What more can you ask for?
Open Monday – Sunday, 8.30am-3.30pm every day, its always a safe bet and perfect for families, children or anyone who just fancies a really good toasted sarnie in a bucolic location. Give it a visit.
Nettlebed Creamery, High Street, Nettlebed, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5DA https://www.nettlebedcreamery.com/the-cheese-shed
