Our Christmas orders are now closed. You can still buy our Cheese Subscriptions to start in January, as well as book our courses and tasting events. If you want to purchase vouchers you can do so until the 20th December but please note that it can take up to 48 hours for the vouchers to be emailed to you as we process these manually.

We have a full counter of cheese in our shop in Pangbourne so you can still come in and purchase items in store

A picture of a round of Maida Vale Cheese. It is sat on a rustic wooden table

Maida Vale Cheese

£9.75

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Maida Vale is a brie style cheese that is washed with an Indian Pale Ale. Washing the cheese with the ale produces a tangy, washed-rind flavour with hints of hoppy IPA coming through. In spite of the washing process, this cheese is gluten free.

Maida Vale really shows off the best of British cheesemaking: traditional skills with a bit of creative flair. With its creamy texture, earthy aroma and complex flavours, it’s just as good for a casual nibble as it is for a special occasion. Whether you’re pairing it with a glass of English fizz or just enjoying it with some fresh bread, it’s always a treat.

  • Cow’s milk cheese
  • Berkshire, England
  • Medium
  • Pasteurised milk
  • Vegetarian rennet
  • Available as a whole little cheese
Description

Description

Maida Vale Cheese

About Maida Vale

Maida Vale is a creamy cow’s milk cheese from Village Maid Cheese in Berkshire. Its orange-coloured washed rind and rich, gooey texture always spark conversation. It’s a prime example of the quality of English artisan cheesemakers.

It first popped up in 2017, when the Village Maid team fancied making a washed rind cheese with a proper English twist. They looked to Continental cheeses such as French Munster and Italian Taleggio for inspiration, aiming for that lovely mix of creamy richness and savoury, earthy depth. But what really sets the cheese apart is how it’s made: local milk, traditional methods, and a proper focus on sustainability. It’s no surprise that it keeps picking up awards and winning over cheese lovers wherever it goes.

The Make

The rind is washed with local Soundwave IPA from Siren Craft Brewery, creating tangy, bittersweet, malty notes and a buttery texture.

I love how Village Maid created this cheese with sustainability in mind. The Guernsey milk comes from a farm just a couple of miles from the dairy, and the Soundwave IPA is sourced nearby. The carbon footprint stays remarkably low.

 

Maida Vale – Jen’s Tasting Notes

Cutting into Maida Vale reveals a creamy paste framed by its striking orange rind. The texture is soft yet fudgey, with a distinctive washed-rind aroma that’s balanced. Notes of earth, grass, and a tanginess become more pronounced as it matures.

It delivers a rich, creamy profile full of character. A gentle sweetness is followed by deeper, earthy and savoury notes. The washed-rind adds a balanced tang, resulting in a harmonious blend of richness and acidity.

 

How to Serve and Pair Maida Vale
  • Make sure you take it out of the fridge a good hour before you want to eat it so it can come up to room temperature.
  • Classic pairings: Try pairing it with the Berkshire-made Soundwave IPA that it is washed with for a complementary match.
  • Something a little different: The natural acidity and effervescence of English sparkling wines (such as those from the Sussex or Kent regions) work wonderfully with Maida Vale. The crisp bubbles and citrus flavours help cut through the cheese’s rich, creamy body, while the subtle minerality complements its earthy notes.
  • On the plate: It works beautifully with fresh apples or pears; their sweetness and crunch perfectly complement the creamy, tangy cheese. Then simply serve with crusty sourdough or crackers; they let the cheese stand out.
  • In the kitchen: It’s delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic for cooking. I really love it in stuffed mushrooms; the cheese’s creaminess is just the thing for a tasty, bite-sized treat.

 

Jen’s note: Maida Vale gets its name from a play on words. Maida comes from Village Maid Dairy whereas the Vale is the ale wash… After all, the cheese is literally ‘Made of ale’

 

Buying Maida Vale
  • Brand or Producer: Village Maid Dairy
  • Product name: Maida Vale
  • Milk: Cow
  • Country: England
  • Region: Berkshire
  • Strength: Medium
  • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Suitable for pregnancy: No
  • Allergens: MILK

 

Sizes and Prices

  • 18og whole little cheese, £9.75

 

Storage Advice

  • Keep refrigerated
  • Wrap in waxed paper or cling film
  • Remove from the fridge before serving
  • Consume within 10 to 14 days of opening

 

Delivery and Collection

  • UK wide courier delivery
  • Click and collect from our Pangbourne shop
  • Free local delivery available for selected postcodes

 

Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)

MILK, starter cultures, vegetarian rennet, salt

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Christmas Opening Hours

Normal opening Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm until:

Sunday 22nd 9am – 4pm
Monday 23rd 9am – 4pm
Christmas Eve 9am – 12pm
Christmas Day Closed
Boxing Day Closed
Friday 27th Closed
Saturday 28th 9am – 4pm
Sunday 29th Closed
Monday 30th 9am – 2pm
Tuesday 31st 9am – 2pm
New Year’s Day Closed
Thursday 2nd January Closed
Friday 3rd 9am – 4pm then open as normal

After Christmas our courier delivery slots start from 8th January.