York cafe with a secret garden is an unmissable treasure

Love Cheese has its own shop, speakcheesey and outdoor space that has been dubbed a “gem of a place, particularly if you love cheese” and a “real unmissable treasure” by its customers.

The original speakcheesey is described as “a cosy space that has been carefully designed to be moody, unique and indulgent – the perfect venue for date nights, catch-ups or casual after-work drinks”.

Love Cheese’s website details: “Wine and cheese, food and drinks… just some of the delicious things the speakcheesey has to offer – alongside some great ambiance, friendly staff and festive cheer.

“Whether you’re after a light-bite or something more substantial, we have a range of menus available for your parties.

“We have vegan, veggie and gluten alternatives available for lots of items on the menu… and cheese boards can be built from our selection of cheeses in our fridges.”

As well as cheese and meat boards, Love Cheese serves cheese and wine pairings, cheese toasties, ‘afternoon cheese’ (an afternoon tea with a twist), pizzas and more.

Inside the secret garden at York’s unique cheese cafe

However, when it comes to the secret garden, Love Cheese’s teases: “Tucked away at the back of our shop and speakcheesey is our secret garden that peers on to the top of York Minster and is surrounded by the York walls.

“Our secret garden offers an area of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of Gillygate and the city centre.

“Relax on your own with a glass of wine and a book or meet friends and family and gossip over one of our cheeseboards.

“The secret garden is equipped with heaters and decorated magically with festoon lights.”

On Tripadvisor, Love Cheese currently boasts an “excellent” 4.8/5 rating based on 258 review.

This loyal visitor shared: “This is an amazing cheese shop with a very wide range of cheeses and then there is the cafe at the back too.

What’s your favourite kind of cheese? (Image: Tripadvisor)

“It has a small and intimate indoor area and a garden with seating too (recommend booking).

“What better than to sit out in the sunshine with wine and cheese.

“The servers are very knowledgeable and will recommend according to your personal taste.

“We have been 3 times and will definitely visit again next time we are in York.”

This customer put: “What a discovery ! Delicious cheese . Exceptional service – the staff were well informed and able to describe both cheese and wine in detail- they shared their passion for the produce.

“We had the 5 cheese and wine pairing and could not recommend this enough.

“Generous portions. Lovely presentation. Variety of cheese was wonderful with local e.g. Yoredale and French e.g. delice de Bourgogne and Spanish e.g. Murcia al Vino (drunken goat).

“The wine complemented perfectly. Don’t miss this treasure!”

Specifically commenting on the ‘afternoon cheese’, one person wrote: “We had an excellent afternoon tea here as a present from our daughter and son-in law.

“There was a great selection of cheeses with oat cakes, bread, olives, chutney and sliced meats.

“This was accompanied by a wonderful bottle of sparkling wine.

“We had a great afternoon and both thought it was a good alternative to the afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes.”

Another agreed: “Had a lovely Afternoon Cheese experience! Although I’m not a big cheese person myself, I took my ‘cheese mad’ friend and we both had a lovely time, I can now say I have been converted!

“It came with lovely bread, chutney, meats and crackers and filled us up perfectly!

“Would definitely recommend and Ill be visiting again and recommending to others.

“The staff were also lovely and friendly and made the experience one warm and welcoming.”

Have you discovered Love Cheese on Gillygate or Fossgate in York? Let us know in the comments below.