Park Gate’s ‘Cork and Cheese Company’ extends its welcome

The Cork and Cheese used to be a small cheese and wine retailer, part of the chain ‘Titchfield Vineyard’, and popular with locals due to the award winning local wines. But last year, owner Colin Baker noticed a gap in the market and decided to open a delicatessen and café too.

“We had the idea about a year ago,” explains manager, Tracey Thurlow. “We had a small pre-packed cheese counter and we would sell the whole counter each week. Customers would regularly ask if we also did olives and meats, so we knew we’d be able to sell them.”

Originally the plan was to move into an empty unit in nearby Middle Road but when this fell through the decision was made to stay put and simply extend.

The result of a year’s planning and hard work was realised four weeks ago when the newly refurbished ‘deli-café’ opened its doors for the first time.

“We have been delighted by how well the deli has been received. The café has been a roaring success too – our lunchtime specials and Cork and Cheese platters are particularly popular. Our meals are all freshly prepared with ingredients we sell here – not a single microwave in sight!” says Tracey.

The large ranges of cheeses and meats in the chiller cabinets are certainly impressive. Next to these are locally made cupcakes, beautiful handmade cakes and artisan breads. Shelves are stacked high with wines to suit all tastes.

Once a month, wine lecturer Daria Kenefeck holds a cheese and wine tasting evening giving the discerning customer a chance to sample wines they may otherwise never try.

The Cork and Cheese is not just for lunchtimes – on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening customers can enjoy a Cork and Cheese Platter and glass or two of wine.

The Cork and Cheese is situated on Bridge Road, next to Everett’s Chemist. If you would like to book a place for the next cheese and wine tasting which takes place on October 19th at 7.30pm, call 01489 588255 or drop into the shop. Tickets cost £20 per head.

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Photo 2 shows Laura, Tracey and Linda.