Cromarty experiments with the Dutch habit
A NEW cheese venture in the Black Isle town of Cromarty is proving such a big hit that the owners have had to order in emergency supplies to meet demand
Jon Palmer and Emmy van Kolfschooten opened their Cheese House in the historic Royal Burgh’s Church Street on November 29.
But such has been the demand for their traditional Dutch farmhouse cheese that over half the original shipment has been snapped up in the first 10 days.
Now Jon and Emmy have had to place a fresh order for more cheese two months ahead of schedule to meet demand in the run up to Christmas.
Jon said: ‘We ordered over 200kg of special Dutch cheeses for the opening of the shop, expecting it to last well into the new year, but over half of it has gone already. We’ve had to order special supplies ahead of the expected Christmas rush."
Jon said most surprising has been the popularity of the goats cheese.
"A lot of customers have initially expressed dislike of goats cheese but having been offered a taste changed their opinion," said Jon.
"I began to wonder whether the Dutch were putting something extra into it as we’ve had customers knocking on the door after closing time demanding more of the stuff!
"It’s been like something out of Whisky Galore - this quiet Highland fishing community with a special secret only the residents know about."
Jon and his partner Emmy, who started the shop together as a means of settling in the town, are delighted by the response from local people to the new venture.
"Of course people have been curious, wondering how a place the size of Cromarty could justify having a specialist cheese shop," said Jon. "But once they venture inside they realise we have more continental delights to offer."