The Stinking Bishops, Enmore

The Stinking Bishops is a newly opened cheesemonger-slash-cheese-and-wine-bar with all the delicious things which I desperately needed after nine long months of pregnancy: cheese, wine, cured meats, and coffee.

Did I mention cheese?

It joins some other fabulous spots on the edge of Enmore, but offers something not found elsewhere: the opportunity to try some of the world’s best cheeses either on site, with accompaniments and a glass of wine, or to take home. Now admittedly I do know the proprietors rather well, but even if I didn’t this place would be one of my favourite new eateries. I mean, where else in Sydney could one enjoy a Newcastle Brown and a Ploughmans in stylish surrounds while listening to Etta James?

Jamie and Kieran are two guys who know food. Between them they have an impressive knowledge and experience of cooking, butchering, drinking and eating. And they both have a passion for cheese; hence The Stinking Bishops.

I am looking forward to going back many times, until I have tried ALL of the cheeses. It’s great to know I can try something new every visit!

Another thing I love about this place is that the food is unashamedly simple. There’s no kitchen as such, therefore no complex dishes, no frills, no fuss. Instead you’ll find classic dishes such as English style pork pie (with proper lard pastry and house made pickles), ‘Mr Crispy’ toasted sandwiches (featuring combinations such as Wagyu smoked beef and Gruyère), and of course cheese boards with accompaniments.

My favourite dish so far is the hot smoked mackerel and potatoes with house-made labne. The picture doesn’t do it justice at all, as we had already hoed into it. Just trust me on this one.

Also on offer are daily salad, meat and breakfast specials, a variety of pastries, and fantastic coffee by The Golden Cobra.

If you prefer to indulge your cheese fetish in the privacy of your own home, you can purchase the house-made pickles, spectacular fresh bread by Grain Organic, and other (mostly) locally made treats as well.