Located in the heart of Spitalfields Market is Funky Cellar, a concept store with a difference. While much of its wares centre around food, you'll also find 70s-themed clothing and accessories in there, too. As the owners put it: 'We've brought everything we love into one space; cheese, booze and the 70s' - and who can argue with that?
Speaking of which, vino and cheese enthusiasts will be excited to know that Funky Cellar has an active events schedule of tastings and often works in collaboration with Geoffrey Nivard, who can be booked for private tastings and parties at this site, too.
Geoffrey has long held a love of pairing the best wines and cheeses after growing up in the Loire Valley which is, of course, abundant with some of France's best vineyards and suppliers. After moving to London, he worked for years in the hospitality industry before concentrating solely on his two great loves and even doing a stint at Paxton & Whitfield, Cheesemonger to the Royal family.
Just before the pandemic Geoffrey decided to start his own business, Tasting with Nivard, so that he could teach enthusiasts like himself about the beauty of cheese and wine in a more personal way, continuing to build his client base with virtual events.
Now, Geoffrey is often booked for private events and offers an hour-and-a-half tasting service in which he covers five cheese with either five wines or beers, as well as an extra blind tasting to finish. He hosts regular events at Funky Cellar, which are fun evenings, so don't miss out. Tickets are just £35 and can be booked through Tasting with Nivard or the venue itself.