The Real Cheese Studio
Step into a world of melting cheese, expert tastings, and fondue fun at this year’s Real Cheese Studio.
Delicious Experiences Await at The Real Cheese Studio
Meet James Grant, known as The Bucks Cheese Guy – cheesemonger, fondue enthusiast, freelance cheese writer, owner of No2 Pound Street, and co-founder of The Real Cheese Project. At Thame Food Festival, James will be serving up bubbling pots of cheesy delight alongside a talk that’s as flavourful as the fondue itself!
Throughout the day, guests can join engaging sessions in the Cheese Theatre to discover how to craft the perfect fondue, sample some of the UK’s best cheeses, and browse premium fondue sets, knives and quirky cheese-themed accessories.
James will walk you through every step of making fondue, sharing a bit about its fascinating history and offering plenty of tips. Each tasting session lasts about 30–40 minutes, with four sessions planned. At the end of every session, you’ll get to taste a freshly prepared fondue. Every tasting session is free to attend once inside the festival.
Featured Cheeses
- Young Buck: A raw milk blue cheese from Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Enjoy its creamy texture, umami-rich flavour, distinctive rind, moist interior, and delicate blue veining.
- Burford: Made by David Jowett at King Stone Dairy near Cheltenham, this pasteurised alpine-style cheese boasts sweet, buttery, nutty notes, and hints of tropical fruit and charcuterie. It’s perfect for fondue!
- Lincolnshire Poacher: Crafted by Tim & Simon Jones at Ulceby Grange, Lincolnshire, this cheese blends savoury and sweet with brothy, meaty, and fruity undertones. Its dense, creamy texture makes it another top pick for fondue.
Shop the Best Cheese Gear
Pick up top-quality fondue sets and cheese knives from Boska – the gold standard trusted by cheese professionals for over 100 years.
Come for the cheese, stay for the fun, and leave with new favourites for your next cheesy adventure!
Schedule
- 12:15 | Tasting Session 1
- 13:15 | Tasting Session 2
- 14:15 | Tasting Session 3
- 15:15 | Tasting Session 4
- 12:15 | Tasting Session 1
- 13:15 | Tasting Session 2
- 14:15 | Tasting Session 3
- 15:15 | Tasting Session 4
The schedule may be subject to change.
Haddenham Park is a newly opened, state-of-the-art luxury care home and retirement living community in the heart of Buckinghamshire. Developed by the award-winning Majesticare group, it offers exceptional residential, nursing, dementia, and respite care alongside 21 beautifully appointed retirement apartments.
We’re delighted to sponsor the The Real Cheese Studio at the Thame Food Festival, a celebration of culinary creativity, community spirit, and local excellence. We’re proud to contribute to an event that aligns with our mission: creating joy, fostering connection, and celebrating the best of life.
Visitor Tickets
Buy Your Tickets in Advance
Fast Track Tickets are available to purchase online.
Adult tickets (17+) £10
Children (12-16) £5
Children under 12 go FREE!
