Monkland Cheese Dairy in Herefordshire, County of

On looking for things to do in Hereford, we saw this as an option and thought it looked interesting. We were lucly enough to be the very first tour for the makers. Dean the cheese maker was very friendly and knowledgeable about the cheeses the dairy made and the whole experience was very interesting. We then got to sample the cheeses that the dairy made with the cheese maker himself. Excellent cheeses and experience all round, and the sellers in the shop were also very friendly. Thank you for a informative and fun morning.

We called in as part of our car journey through the ‘black and white villages’. What a lovely welcoming place with owners who fully support local products and artisans. We thoroughly enjoyed our home made soup, bread and cheese. It’s a limited menu but totally authentic and very tasty.

What a lovely little tearoom. We were made so welcome and a lovely coffee and piece of cake Nice little shop with cheese counter

Discovered this gem by accident returning from holiday. Delicious lunch, soup and cheese rolls- we were encouraged to taste lots of cheeses, very knowledgeable ladies, friendly and very welcoming,all in all a really lovely experience. Thank you

It’s a long time since my last visit to Monkland Dairy but I was not disappointed. The Saturday ladies really looked after us……attentive service, a good laugh, fabulous ploughman’s, amazing apple cake, and the bottle of Hobson's wasn’t too bad either! Definitely recommend a visit!

Great home-cooked local food, good portions and very friendly staff who understand the products they are selling.

If you're a cheese lover, welcome to heaven. What's not to love about a hot, buttered cheese scone served with the warmest of smiles. Lovely outside seating area. The cake offering looked tasty too!

The cafe/ restaurant remains unchanged and there are still a wide range of cheeses available at the take away cheese counter . However for the fans of cheese made on the premises such as MONKLAND , Little Hereford , the Other Monk etc sadly no cheese making takes place on the premises any more and those cheeses will no longer be made. So fans must hope that the dairy will be resurrected at some stage in the future either on site or somewhere else close by . We live in hope that those cheeses will come back, meantime the cheese counter range is still very good.

A perfect hidden gem. The lady who served us made , and I quote from my husband, “The best cheese scone I has ever tasted”. I had a slice of Herefordshire apple cake…. Absolutely delicious 😁. Very warm and welcoming…

We were passing through on a long drive looking for somewhere to sit outside with our dog and stumbled across here. Considering it’s proximity to the main road it was so peaceful. Beautiful garden area. Food and drinks were promptly brought out to us and were all lovely, simple but so tasty. We had cheese and chunky rolls and a lemon drizzle cake 🍰 both of which were beautiful.

Outstanding lunch (ploughman’s cheese and ham). Well stocked cheese counter. Plenty of “cottage” style chutneys etc.

Absolutely loved the fact that nobody batted an eyelid when we asked for a cheese platter with our morning coffee. A great low carb way to try before you buy. Lovely, knowledgeable staff, relaxing garden to munch cheese in and (of course) the change to buy the cheese you can see being made.

We came by the cheese dairy on a visit to Leominster, we had a great coffee and biscuit in the cafe then went downstairs to taste the cheese. A good selection of cheeses made on the premises which we tasted before buying three different cheeses.

Called in on the off chance with family last week and will definitely be back! We were given samples of cheese to taste which were wonderful. Enjoyed lovely coffees and home made cake and the ladies who served us could not have been nicer. Thanks and we will see you again soon.

Called in today for lunch, had a ham and chutney roll, husband had cheese and chutney roll and 2 teas. However the rolls were actually baps and were so tough and hard we could hardly get through them. The ham was only enough to cover a quarter of a bap and was tiny little fatty bits patched up. The cheese was grated, and not more than a scattering. The teapot we were given only held 3 small cups of tea not enough for both of us to have an extra cup. We had been 3 times over the last year and it was totally different then. Sandwiches were in soft bread, plenty of ham, and the cheese was big chunks. Really disappointed with it this time.

Called in on 13th October for lunch. To people in front of us and the server was very curt with both of them, to the point that it was very embarassing! The second server came in from outside and said "we are getting busy" but with a tone that suggested that she was in a bad mood. We were spoken to by her but she sighed heavily before acknowledging us and asking what we wanted. I asked her about the cheese platters for lunch as it wasn't clear from the menu board exactly what was on offer (we had not been here before). She spoke to me as though I was completely stupid and that it was a real effort for her to bother with our order. I looked at my husband in disbelief and we walked towards the door. I said, "you are both so rude please don't bother with our lunch order" Is this the way to treat customers? There was one couple outside and two ladies who I presume made some cheese at Monkland so hardly rushed off their feet. We are glad that we voted with our feet and l would never return here. Disgraceful behaviour.

we stopped here on route to our holiday, staff were lovely, we went for ploughmans which was lush, plus bought three different cheeses for our stay, off beaten track but worth it

Superb range of cheeses and other goods, such as pickles, biscuits, drinks and soon. A decent menu of snacks, all freshly prepared and with humongous helpings of cheese and pickle in the sandwiches and cheese boards. The cheese scones are to die for - light and fluffy with a lovely savoury taste.

Unfortunately we arrived too late for coffee and too early for lunch (according to us, not them!) so only visited the shop. Sensible Covid-19 precautions, but also friendly service. They offered tasters, which was nice, and we bought their own Other Monk (like a mild Camembert) and Little Hereford (a mature cheddar-type), as well as a goats' cheese and some local cider. There were people enjoying the sunshine at the cafe tables in the delightful little garden, and it looked as if there were nice walks nearby. We were sorry not to linger, but we'd go back on another visit to the area. Only 4-star review because we didn't actually have a cafe experience!

Didn’t eat but bought lots of cheese and we were not disappointed at all will be back to buy again on our next visit to the area. Service was friendly and knowledgeable

Having a day out in the car just pottering about in the area and came across this place, and what an amazing find :)Fabulously welcoming staff. Had a cuppa and cake in the garden - both lovely.. And then also tried some cheese and just HAD to buy some to take home as it was gorgeous..Will definitely revisit if we're in the area again..

Visited with daughter and granddaughter, staff very helpful and our ploughman lunches, one cheese the other ham excellent quality. Lots of locally sourced drinks available and cakes homemade. Lovely .

Good range of cheeses, can’t say much more, haven’t eaten my purchases yet! Samples of their own product available to taste before buying. Also a tea shop!

Never before have i been under one roof wiht so mush selection of one of my favourit things CHEESE.Amazing selection of chutneys,home made berad it just jets better and better YOU HAVE.

Stopped, as we always do when passing and ate wonderfully hot, buttery, cheese scones and good coffee. A couple of days later we stopped for a plouguman's lunch, one cheese, one ham, with good taste bread, followed by more of their good coffee. This is an excellent place, with wonderful cheeses to buy, and friendly staff - we could not pass by without calling in !

Have visited here before on our way back from wales for lunch and to buy some of their their Monkland cheeses which are excellent and made onsite.You can have a taster before you buy which is good.Decided to visit B/H Monday for lunch we had Ham/Cheese ploughman’s and a pot of tea and then a slice of their apple cake and a hot chocolate. Excellent food and service. We also brought some of their Monkland cheese, welsh butter and some Herefordshire chutneys

Not “just” cheese, Greta little cafe, all local products and a brilliant tour of the cheese making area. Not to be missed.

We decided to visit the tea room and take the chance of the informative tour around the cheese making. Excellent experience, will look at cheese in a different light now! There is so much care and attention given in the making of cheese. After we settled down to homemade soup, cheese biscuits and a large wedge of cheese. Top marks for flavour and value for money. Decent size portions. The shop stocks a variety of goods that you can't always find in a supermarket so excellent for a treat or gift. This would be an idealplace to treat your friend or parent to which is a little bit more than your basic tea room. Toilets inside on the ground floor. Seats outside in lovely gardens with tame hens . Free parking available just watch the uneven ground which is very understandable due to the farm area. If you want the tour I would recommend you ring them to check on times etc.

Walking distance local for us and we buy most of our cheese from here - Other Monk a particular favourite.Staff are efficient, friendly and knowledgeable on their produce.We often pop in for coffee and a healthy slice of home made cake.If you’re passing through Monkland drop in

Our party of 7 enjoyed lunch here after a tour of the cheese dairy. It was well presented, tasty and good value. It is possible to enjoy a meal or snack here without a tour. Free parking is available, and a well-stocked shop which sells, amongst other items, many of the food items served in the cafe.

We were on our way to a destination in Wales when my partner remarked that he would like a cup of coffee,He had just said that when a sign appeared directing us to the Monklamd Cheese Dairy. There is plenty of cheese to taste and a small coffee shop. It is all well presented with a variety of items to buy including pickles and premium gin and vodka.I bought some vintage mature cheddar which is wonderful. I wish I lived nearer so that I could have a constant supply.There was a charming tame hen wandering around the car park who would have come in the dairy given half a chance.If you are passing through Monkland it would be a good idea to stop here and inspect the goodies on offer.

We have visited Monklands several times now and it is a joy every time - staff are really friendly (and always generous with the samples!) The best thing to order is the cheese sharing board which is enormous and so tasty.

The service was fine. The quality of the food was not so good; again, the chunk of cheese was very dry & the ham somewhat fatty. For literally half the price I can eat better quality at the Green Bean Cafe in nearby Weobley.

A rare find, a visitable dairy with cheese tasting. Friendly ladies supplying information and as many samples as you can manage. Definitely a hit for our family, all with differing likes/dislikes so thank you for a great time.

We visited on a Monday morning.the tours take about half an hour and takes you all through the cheese making process.there is also a small shop and cafe were you can purchase some of the cheese that you’ve just seen made.

What would you expect to see plenty of in a cheese dairy's cafe? You'd be right. First visit to Monkland Cheese and what a really great experience. A very friendly and enthusiastic team serving and selling their own cheeses.

Quick pit stop for a late lunch. Lovely cheese rolls and staff who didn’t bat an eyelid as one of our party said loudly “but I don’t like cheese”. Ham roll it was.

Another annual visit for a coffee stop and buy some cheese before driving on to Wales friendly staff great coffee great cheese even sat outside today.

A lovely little café and tasty cheese selection some made on the premises you can have a tour on certain days of the week as well, with friendly staff and we will visit again when in the area.

Delicious lunch! Lovely staff. You can take a tour of the cheesemaking on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 10am to just after lunchtime, although they do not make cheese on Fridays, so would recommend going on Monday or Wednesday so you can see the whole process. The cheeses are delicious, you can try samples as you walk in on the counter. As you'd expect, all the menu contains cheese. We had the ploughman's lunch and it was marvellous. The "Little Hereford" cheese is soooooooo tasty! We bought a good bagful of their different cheeses to take home!

Visited here for the first time the other day and absolutely loved it! The owners/staff are lovely and really helpful. My mum is coeliac and they were knowledgeable and accommodating. We shared a delicious cheese platter (which was huge!) and she had gf crackers. We shall definitely be returning.

Read about this little treasure on TA and so glad we made it here . Quaint little shop and cafe . Huge selection of cheese and chutneys .

Visited here on Saturday with my mum, what an amazing find Had afternoon tea of apple cake and cheese a large bottle of cider,warm and proper tea Warm and friendly atmosphere. We spent a fortune in the shop Thank you for your kindness towards my mum and we will definatley be back next year. Once again a big thank you. Margaret and Evelyn xx

Great cheese selection including their own award winning cheese! Lovely tea shop/cafe with good selection of homemade cakes or soup/sandwhich. Recommended by nearby Buzzard House hosts and we were not disappointed .

Very polite staff and a great cup of tea! We arrived at 17:15 and they made a great effort of making us feel welcome and relaxed. The cake was presented beautifully and the restaurant was very clean.

Had a lovely visit after a 2 year break - this had become our regular lunch stopover on the way...

A friendly welcome on arrival at café. Cake was very good and service good even though very busy. Cheeses were...

Tours of the cheese making are only available on certain days, so it's worth calling before hand. We visited on...

It is important to note that the cheese tours at this small, friendly dairy only happen on particular days. We...

Tuvimos un día precioso, visitamos con mis tres hijos, uno de los cuales tiene retraso de aprendizaje y procesamiento sensorial trastorno. El personal era genial con mi hijo, incluso cuando (para mi horror) él discutía algunos de los quesos en la planta durante la visita....

Probablemente una gran parada para un poco de compras comida y una taza de té y pedazo de pastel, pero era un poco decepcionado con el almuerzo. £9 por un plato de jamón está bien, pero espera algo realmente bueno e interesante. me/additionof pastel de...

Estamos alojados en la zona y rove a visitar y ver la fabricación de queso. Me sorprendió lo pequeño que es, pero para ser sincero, la intimidad lo hizo más especial con una oportunidad de probar cuajadas de diferentes etapas del proceso y llegar muy cerca y ver cómo se hizo.

Called in for a coffee and a light snack on a long car journey as sounded like somewhere nice and relaxing to stop. How wrong we were! Cafe was not particularly busy but coffees took forever to arrive with an excuse about problems with the milk!! After another long wait, went to enquire about our food items only to be told they hadn't started on them yet (3 staff were in the kitchen) as they were busy and hadn't made up a cheese platter before and didn't know how to make one (but this is a cheese shop)!! At this point we gave up and left and found another very nice cafe about 10 minute drive away. It was much busier but service was pleasant and prompt. Don't bother stopping here, they are plenty other nice places nearby!

Just stopped in for a tea/coffee, added lovely scones etc. As it was a nice day sat in the lovely garden. Place has a really good vibe which appeared to encourage people to chat to one another. Well worth a visit

I was lucky enough to be treated to a day Cheesemaking at Monkland by a friend. The whole day was fantastic and indeed a great experience, learning hands on, the journey from milk to cheese. A big thanks to Karen and daughter Natalie for a great day, enjoying not only the dairy but the delights of the shop selling some delicious cheeses, cakes and chutneys. A must place to visit if your'e passing this area

We actually stopped off for a quick coffee but then became very disappointed when we were unable to tour the dairy (Saturday)However, the owner, made us most welcome and 'forced' us to try a whole variety of cheeses. It would have been rude to refuse.Bought a selection. We'll come back when the dairy tour is on (and of course buy some more cheese)Nice garden/table & chairs out front (when it's not raining)

We called here for lunch and to see the cheese being made, bit it was a Saturday and now made on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.We tried lots of delicious cheeses and whilst waiting for our lunch to be prepared tasted chutneys and jams. The Cafe sells a wonderful selection of homemade produce, we had a cheese roll with fresh baked bread and about 100g ou yummy Monkland cheese all washed down with a local bottle of cider. We purchased lots of goodies including Sly Gin made by Mr and Mrs Fox, Chilli Jam, Hereford black butter, Elderflower Liquer, postcards and extra fruit Raspberry and Strawberry Jam. The pretty gardens are an alternative to eat also. On our return home I called Mrs Hindle because I had mistakenly purchased the sample jar of black butter and as it was a gift, immediately she offered to send a replacement and as TheDairy run a postal service for cheese decided to order ,Blue Monk and Monkland at the same time. This parcel left the Dairy on August 31 and was due to be delivered express next day delivery bi Interlink. By September 3 the parcel and not arrived and as it was a perishable product called Mrs Hindle, who looked into this and the tracker stated I was out and a card put throug door! This had not happened as I waited in all day! I contacted Interlink on September 5 who said it was being delivered today!!! I explained that it was perishable and totally not acceptable . I let Mrs Hindle know the latest on the delivery and she is now sending a replacement for the cheese. What fantastic customer service Mrs Hindle has given to me, and this small hardworking business deserve better than this.if in the area go along you will not be disappointed by the welcome , food and lovely gardens

We'd heard about the cheese shop with its cafe, and so decided to have it as a lunchtime stop in our walk around Leominster. We were not disappointed: leaf tea in a pot with strainer, lovely home-made cakes, and other goodies such as home-made cheese and pickles if you wanted them. Altogether a great experience. We liked the look of the cheese so much - and tasting the many samples - that we went back in the car the next day to buy some! Another time we'd love to go back and see the cheese making.

As a family group we called in for tea and icecream. We tasted the cheese and various chutneys. We were impressed with the tea for 2- leaf tea in the pot and hot water to top up- not seen that for some time. Delicious icecream flavours.

We really enjoyed our tour of the cheese factory - very friendly people and the tour was great for the children - they were given a good sheet with information and activities.We tasted the cheese and purchased some to take home. We had some cakes and I enjoyed a proper cup of tea with leaves. Children loved the chocolate cake and I enjoyed the apple cake with cheese. Lovely few hours out with friends.The only negative I have is its a shame the cheese made on site is not suitable for vegetarians.

WHAT A JOY, semi rural, nice gardens, super food, had the blue cheese ploughman's lunch, Wife had the cheddar, both highly recommended. not cheap, but well worth it, not enjoyed lunch as much for a long time

I was bought a cheese making day for Christmas and I wasn't overly sure what to expect. When I arrived I received a warm welcome and got straight to business making cheese. Karen and her staff are very knowledgeable and the day soon flew by. For lunch we had their version of a ploughmans lunch, 4 or 5 cheese samples, delicious home made bread and chutney. In the afternoon we stopped for a cake break and I opted for the millionaires shortbread - very nice. The whole day was very educational and fun and I can now testify to how much hard work goes into making their delicious product. I can't wait for mine to arrive in the post.

Visited on a lunchtime by chance.We pulled in just fancying a snack and ended up ordering the homemade soup. The soup was absolutely lovely and hit the spot. Staff were friendly, chatty and very helpful. Lots of local produce on sale as well as cheeses. I purchased some hot chilli jam and local honey, both of which are very very nice.

We ended up here by chance, as part of a very long journey home. We were traveling with our infant daughter and were totally exhausted, but the warm welcome we received really revived us. Both of the ladies working were helpful and warm. We had a lovely coffee and a very generous slice of carrot cake (moist and flavoursome) and sampled several of the cheeses on offer. We left with a bag of cheeses which we devoured eagerly later - they were gorgoeus. The lady behind the counter really knew her cheese and helped us to try a couple of cheeses we'd never had before. I look forward to when we can return.

Our arrival triggered all sorts of activity because despite trying to explain that we had not pre booked the staff insisted that we had and consequently it took a considerable amount of time to negotiate our way out of the dilemma ( Interestingly this was on June 23rd). Eventually everyone got more or less what they asked for

Friendly and welcoming. Good selection of local cheeses and the cheese platter for two was very tasty and more than enough.

OK...I live locally, but I don't have any other connection with this place. I'm a regular customer, and I've taken a number of visitors there for lunch.Firstly the Cheese; Monkland Cheese Dairy's own cheese is second to none, with it's Monkland-with-Garlic-and-Chives or even just plain Monkland being my particular favourites, a semi-soft cheese of "Cheshire-like" texture and a sublime taste. Others on offer include Blue Monk, Other Monk and the award-winning Little Hereford. Sometimes there are "vintage" versions available. Cheeses from other local suppliers are also available, as are cheesy-related foody items and postcards. During the summer cheese is made on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays, and the tours (30-40 mins and conducted by the Cheesemakers themselves) are well worth hanging around for. It's always worth a phone call though, to check the availability of a tour on a specific day. Best time to arrive is between 10.00 and 13.00.The café serves a fine selection of the dairy's own products and delicious home-made food, including Ploughman's Lunches and the most superb Soups, Breads, and Cakes.The café has more than enough capacity for a coach-full, although if you have a large group it's wise to book first, just to prepare the staff!The Staff; well, Kass the boss has been making cheese for over 20 years. What she doesn't know about cheese isn't worth knowing. She and her fellow cheesemakers are good-humoured but highly professional, and a tour around the dairy will leave you salivating for some cheese to take home and spread on your crackers!. Service in the café is delivered by experienced, courteous, and good-humoured staff, and there is plenty of seating both inside and outside, in the well-maintained cottage garden. Excellent value for money too.The overall impression is one of Artisan Cheesemaking carried out by enthusiasts with humour and expertise, so if you're passing through or just looking for something to do in rural Herefordshire, this is the place. Kids even get an interesting fact sheet, with cheesy jokes, to take home!

We went totally unaware of what to expect. We were 6 adults and a 3 yr old. The dairy is small but the owner who took the tour was informative and friendly and answered questions with enthusiasm. Our 3 yr old didn't like the smell of cheese and so left the tour early. The food choice in the cafe was limited but was delicious. The outside space felt as though you were in a large English country garden - charming. There is inside dining if the weather is less amenable. We bought several types of cheese to bring home - yummy

Worth a stop here for the cafe even if you miss the tour, tasty coffee and loose leaf tea with a selection of cheeses including their own also cakes and soup. We were fortunate enough to sit outside in the sunshine but there are plenty of tables inside fir visiting in more usual weather. Do try the local cheeses especially blue monk.

Ate here with the extended family - we had to get two tables together - and it was very nice. The staff couldn't do enough to make our visit very pleasant. The cheese was simply delightful along with the loose tea.

Nice tea made with loose tea. Also bought some of the excellent cheese made and sold here. Will try the tour next time. There is an excellent selection of jams and pickles to be tempted by as well.

Really enjoyed our cheesemaking tour. A bargain at £3 each. Timed it perfectly and didn't need to wait at all but I think others did. I'm sure it wouldn't be any more than 20 minutes or so and it would give you a chance for a cuppa (leaf tea) and a cheese taste. The tour itself was brill. Check the website as they don't run them every day. It was really interesting and inspired us to try to make our own!

This is our stop of choice for lunch on journeys to and from North Wales. Soups and cheeses, with great coffee. Ideal way to break a journey with a relaxing and tasty lunch.

This cafe is absolutely brilliant as a stop on a long journey; delicious cheese platter and coffee although I look forward to trying the loose leaf tea when I return a third time. For a smaller savoury bite I'd recommend a scone. Whilst there we saw freshly baked bread arrive - absolutely top notch food.

better than any gastropub, good honest cheese and bread and cakes. fabulous pickles too. I recommend the vintage and also the 'other monk' which was like a really tasty brie.

Brilliant, just brilliant. The lady who showed us how they handmake their cheeses was fab. She included all the kids. The tour was enlightening. Thank you.

Timed our trip right to catch a tour of the cheese making process in this small dairy / tea shop. You are shown the various steps and equipment they use and visit the cheese storage areas to see how each progresses. The cheese makers tell the story and answer questions and are enthusiastic about they do. Well worth stopping by.

We stopped off by chance on a long journey home from Pembrokeshire to Birmingham and will be making a repeat visit very soon. Delightful little cheese deli and tea shop (loose leaf) and a friendly welcome. For the gardener a lovely selection of hardy perennials at VFM prices. Recommend the pressed Apple Juice - delicious and a seat outside in the small but beautifully tended garden.

This was our second visit here, the first being last summer. This place is a cheese lovers paradise with many different cheeses, including several made at the Monkland dairy shop itself. My wife and myself decided to try a platter of Herefordshire cheeses on the menu while our son plumped for the blue cheese selection. You can choose you own cheeses. The cheeses were served with a delicious celery, walnut and grape salad, quince or chutney, several thick slices of brown bread and plenty of butter all served by lovely friendly staff. There was so much we ended up taking alot of the cheese home with us. The value for money was incredible and we would gladly have paid more if asked to.If passing this way through Herefordshire you must stop here. There are a few tables and chairs down stairs with more seating available upstairs, and if you dont want cheese there are a selection of home made cakes, biscuits and fresh rolls made to order all washed down with your choice of hot or cold drinks. While you are waiting you can look at a wide selection of home made jams,curds and marmalades on the display shelves in the shop.This is a smashing place to spend some time with family or friends during the week or on the weekend, and we shall certainly be going again and telling friends and family to pay this little gem a visit soon.

This cafe serves soup, ploughman's etc using the cheese made in the dairy. There are also local apple juices and lovely looking cakes (unfortunately not tried)! Also on sale are chutneys, jams, local wines and cider. A small menu but everything was very fresh and tasty. The staff were very friendly and the service was good. One gave me a small taste of a marmalade vodka on sale. If you see a sign for this when passing on the A44 turn off for coffee, or lunch or tea - you won't be disappointed.