La Fromagerie

There are cheeseboards and then there are La Fromagerie cheeseboards. We’d like to live in a world in which we were only ever served the latter – carefully sourced, themed by nation (with suggested wines to match) and prettily arranged on a wooden slab at the back of a shop filled with wonderful chutneys and handmade French tableware. Our Italian and British selections – best eaten from goat to blue, our waiter helpfully clarified – had not a dud between them. The Marylebone shop’s popularity has only increased since it opened in 2002 (a decade after the original Highbury branch) and the café doesn’t take bookings, so time your visit with care. Earlier in the day, you could stop by for breakfast (granola, bacon sandwiches, organic boiled eggs with Poilâne soldiers), while if you’re lucky enough to secure a table for lunch, you’ll find cut-above sandwiches and soups on the menu alongside charcuterie plates, smoked salmon and escargots. A late afternoon table (the cakes are as lovely as the cheese) with prime people-watching potential would be our preference. Choose a glass from the meticulously sourced wine list and watch glamorous locals stockpile dinner party nibbles as you plan your fantasy weekly shop from the shelves.