The Cheese Barge to dock at Paddington in November

Mathew Carver’s latest project The Cheese Barge will open in November at a permanent mooring on Paddington’s Grand Union Canal.

Carver – who founded Pick & Cheese and The Cheese Bar – was scheduled to open his new venture in spring, but due to Covid-19 the double-decker barge has been docked in Somerset.

Designed by Adam Richards Architects, the vessel’s design takes cues from the Electa bookstore in Venice – itself inspired by ship design – with a copper ‘veil’ acting as an awning for the 40-cover lower deck dining room.

Sharing plates will include Aligot, made with Mrs. Kirkham’s Lancashire, and a half-kilo Baron Bigod, made by Fen Farm Dairy for the Barge, and served baked to order.

Sharing snacks include fried Quicke’s Cheddar curds, curried and tossed in chilli honey.

Head cheesemonger, Sam Wilkin, will be curating a rotating list of seasonal British cheeses served with individual pairings including Spenwood with quince and almond fruit cheese; Winslade with chilli dukkah and St Andrews Cheddar with green kimchi.

“It feels great to finally launch The Cheese Barge,” says Carver.

“It was heart-breaking to down tools and not get to open our doors earlier this year.

“However our excitement for this project has never waned, and myself and the team couldn’t be more excited to share this incredible vessel with everyone.

“British cheese on a boat, what’s not to love?”

The Cheese Barge will open early November at Sheldon Square, Paddington Central.