QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
CAN YOU CATER FOR VEGAN GUESTS?
Every cheese we serve is made from milk, so our tastings aren't suitable for vegans. If some of your group are vegan, mention it when you enquire and we can talk it through.
I DON'T USUALLY LIKE GOAT'S OR BLUE CHEESE
You're not alone, and a guided tasting is a good place to give them another go. You taste each cheese on its own first, then with a pairing chosen to bring out its best side.
I'M LACTOSE INTOLERANT. CAN I JOIN IN?
Often, yes. Long-aged hard cheeses, such as a mature Lincolnshire Poacher, contain very little lactose because it breaks down as the cheese ripens. Fresh and soft cheeses contain more. Tolerance varies, so check with your GP if you're unsure, and we'll tell you which cheeses on your cheeseboard are the aged ones.
WHAT ABOUT ALLERGIES?
All our cheeses contain milk, so the tastings aren't suitable for anyone with a milk allergy, and we don't offer dairy-free or vegan alternatives. Wine contains sulphites, and crackers, conserves and chutneys can contain gluten, nuts, mustard or celery. Tell us about any allergies when you enquire and we will confirm the allergens in everything we bring.
CAN PREGNANT GUESTS TAKE PART?
Yes. NHS advice is to avoid soft mould-ripened cheeses, such as brie-style cheeses, and soft blue cheeses unless they are cooked. Hard cheeses are fine. Let us know and we will prepare a plate of suitable cheeses with alcohol-free pairings.
DO YOU OFFER ALCOHOL-FREE PAIRINGS?
Yes. Every pairing can have an alcohol-free alternative if arranged in advance, and you can choose wine, alcohol-free or a mix of both. Alcohol-free tastings are £645 for four cheeses or £745 for five, for up to 10 guests.
DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE GLASSES?
Yes, please. We ask the venue to provide a wine glass and a water glass for every guest, and to wash them up after the tasting, as washing up of venue-provided items isn't included. If you don't have enough glasses, we can arrange hire, delivered to your venue and collected afterwards, with the cost added to your quote. Choose “No, please arrange hire” on the enquiry form.
OUR VENUE ISN'T LICENSED FOR ALCOHOL
We handle it. We arrange a Temporary Event Notice with your local council, which needs at least 10 working days' notice, so please book at least three weeks ahead. It's also worth checking that your building or landlord allows alcohol on site.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN TAKE PART?
Example prices cover up to 10 guests, with a set charge for each additional guest. We usually host groups of 10 to 30, and larger groups get a second host. For bigger events, get in touch.
HOW LONG DOES A TASTING TAKE?
The tasting itself runs for 1½ to 2 hours. Your host arrives an hour before to set up, and packs everything they brought with them down in about 30 minutes afterwards.
WHERE DO YOU TRAVEL TO?
Workplaces anywhere in London, with travel included in the price. We also host private parties at home or in a hired venue. Please contact us for other locations and we can look at cost options for your quote.
HOW FAR AHEAD SHOULD WE BOOK?
As early as you can, and at least three weeks ahead if your venue needs a licence. Send an enquiry and we will come back within two working days with availability and a confirmed price. Your booking is only confirmed once your deposit has been received.
CAN WE BUY OUR OWN WINE?
Yes. We'll send you the wine list for your tasting so you can buy the bottles yourself, and the cost of the wine comes off your quote. The bottles just need to be at the venue before your host arrives. Please note that drinks lists will only be sent once the booking has been confirmed with a deposit being paid.
HOW DO DEPOSITS AND PAYMENT WORK?
Your booking is only confirmed once your deposit has been received, and until then your date isn't held. The deposit is 50% of your quote, and the remaining 50% is due 14 days before your tasting. The deposit covers the cheese, wine and staff booked for your event, so it is non-refundable if you cancel.
CAN YOU INCLUDE CHEESES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES?
Yes. Our sample tasting boards focus on British artisan cheese, but we can build a cheeseboard from French, Italian, Spanish or other cheeses, or mix them in with British ones. Tell us what you have in mind when you enquire and we'll put together a bespoke quote.
CAN WE HAVE DRINKS OTHER THAN WINE?
Yes. As well as wine and alcohol-free pairings, we can match the cheeses with beer, cider, port, sherry or spirits such as whisky or rum. Mention it when you enquire and we'll put together a bespoke quote.
© 2026 Pairings by Matt North · contact@matthewnorth.co.uk
All cheeses contain milk. Ask about allergens when you enquire.