A year ago, Norfolk-based foodies and lovers of cheese rejoiced at the Jarrold Food Hall launching on the Lower Ground Floor of the iconic department store. Previously housing the book department which went up to Floor 3, the space was given a new-look with a focus on all things edible, becoming the culinary destination it is today; as well as being home to the Housewares department showcasing everything you’d need for your kitchen adventures. The gleaming colours of KitchenAid, sparkling array of Stoltz glassware and the professional twinkle of the coffee machines sit alongside everything you need to lay the tablescape at the dinner party of dreams.

The Jarrolds Food Hall can also inspire you with what to serve at your aforementioned dinner party. The shelves are packed full of lovely things, from not-your-normal pasta to melt-in-your-mouth chocolates. Be sure to grab a basket at the entrance to fill with all those things which will make you go ‘ooohhhhh I’ve always wanted to try that.’ It’s a place of foodie joy!

When you visit, don’t forget to venture into their refrigerated walk-in cheese room and browse the wide selection of flavours and textures on offer. All the self-proclaimed turophiles (a combination of Greek words for cheese ‘tyros’ and lover ‘philos’) will lose themselves in the exclusive seasonal collections, alongside gems from small artisanal producers worldwide.

The curators of this specially equipped Cheese Room show a dedication to the artisanal and handmade with a display of aged-to-perfection array of local as well as further-afield cheeses.

The knowledgeable Jarrolds experts will be on hand to help you curate your perfect cheeseboard; for one or many more and will then cut exactly what you need and wrap your choice to
take home.

Baron Bigod Cheese

A creation of Fen Farm Dairy, is a shining example of British artisanal cheese at its finest. Handcrafted in Suffolk, England, this luxurious cheese embodies the essence of the region’s lush dairy landscape. It is made exclusively from the farm’s own organic raw cow’s milk, ensuring the utmost quality and provenance.

Baron Bigod captivates with its velvety, bloomy rind and a sumptuously creamy interior that boasts a complex, earthy flavour profile with hints of mushroom and fresh milk. The cheese’s name pays homage to a local historical figure, infusing it with a sense of tradition.

Pair with a champagne made from Pinot noir grapes such as NYETimber Sparkling Rose Multi Vintage Champagne 12% (£45).

St. Helena

St. Jude Cheese) is a unique and delectable creation that hails from the small, remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic. Handcrafted by dedicated artisans, this cheese embodies the island’s rich cultural and historical influences. It is made using local cow’s milk, which reflects the island’s terroir and climate.

St. Jude Cheese is a soft, bloomy-rind cheese with a delicate, creamy texture and a nuanced flavour profile. It offers hints of grassiness and a subtle tang that reflects the island’s unique environment. This artisanal cheese is not only a culinary delight but also a testament to the craftsmanship and traditions of St. Helena, making it a true treasure for cheese enthusiasts worldwide.

Pair with a medium-bodied white such as Protea Chenin Blanc 2022 13.5% (£14.50).