La Cave à Fromage: Passionate about cheese

La Cave à Fromage

@LaCaveafromage

34-35 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1AF

01273 725500

www.la-cave.co.uk

La Cave à Fromage recently celebrated four successful years of trading. We caught up with David Deaves, the manager, to find out more about Hove's cheese hideaway.

Tell us about how the idea to launch La Cave à Fromage in Brighton came about?

Our first shop opened in South Kensington in 2007 and was a huge success from the start. Opening a second shop seemed like a natural progression. With Brighton and Hove being a hub for commuters and a real foodie destination - thanks to Brighton and Hove Food Festival and the hard work of restaurants throughout the city - it was a natural choice to make bringing cheese to Brighton.

Cheese is the main focus. What do you think makes a successful cheese retailer?

A passion for cheese helps. All the team at La Cave are passionate in what they do and real foodies in general. Knowledge and great customer service are paramount; we want all our customers to feel that it has been an experience shopping at La Cave.

The team know the cheese intimately and can tell you the country, region, what type of milk is used, give an overview of the flavours, recommend wines to complement the cheese, and suggest what to serve with the cheese.

What sets you apart from other cheese and local produce shops?

We specialise in two things: cheese and all things that complement cheese. But the most important part is the team and their passion. We ensure that all team-members are equipped with the knowledge to assist each customer and allow them to make the right choice in regard to their purchase.

The tasting café is open seven days a week and is a great asset. This allows people to sample one of our tasting platters of cheeses to broaden the own repertoire - often with a glass or bottle of wine.

Our Thursday cheese and wine-tasting events are becoming more and more popular and are a great evening out and lots of fun.

You have recently celebrated four years of trading. What have been your main highlights throughout that time?

Our highlights from the past 4 years (apart from opening the doors) are:

'¢Â Â   being a finalist in Brighton and Hove Business Awards in 2011, 2013, and 2014;

'¢Â Â   being recognised as one of the top 3 retailers in the city is testament to the team and their commitment;

'¢Â Â   being involved with Brighton and Hove Food Festival and being allowed to show case what we do to a wider audience;

'¢Â Â   being invited as a judge at the world cheese awards in 2013.

La Cave à Fromage is the "go-to" cheese shop in Brighton and Hove. What are your best-sellers and what new cheeses do you have to tell our readers about?

We can have up to 250 cheeses in the shop, depending on the season. Some are more popular than others. You will always have your staples: Brie, Cheddar, and Comté.

Lancashire Bomb, however, is one of our more popular cheeses. This is a traditional Lancashire cheese matured for two years. But local cheeses sell very well, such as Lord of the Hundreds, Golden Cross, and Brighton Blue.

We are not only a cheese shop; we also mature our own cheeses and our more popular is La Cave Stilton, matured in port. We recently launched the Boxer, a British cow's milk cheese, matured in artisan beer and dusted with roasted barley. Mellow and yeasty in flavour with earthy undertones, the barley gives it a nutty and fruity sweetness.