By Natalie Scalora.

Whilst strolling along a vibrant Lisburn Road last weekend, I noticed a new addition to the shops in the shape of Clydesdale and Morrow - a pristine space specializing in artisan cheeses sourced from all over Europe.

Frequented by smartly dressed BT9ers, the store's staff are approachable and friendly, offering tasty morsels and doling out advice to shoppers on their forays into fromage. What drew me into the store was a cheery sign sitting on the pavement advertising cheese wedding cakes. And to prove it, in the window sat a sumptuous looking wedding cake made entirely from cheese.

Five tiers high, each a different type of cheese; the cake was decorated with fresh fruit, on this particular day it was grapes, figs and ruby red strawberries. Topped with ribbon and fresh flowers, the cake looked decadent and mouth watering. Upon further enquiry I found that Clydesdale and Morrow offers a complete service from initial consultation, design and decoration right through to delivery.

This kind of service really struck a chord recently with a friend of mine planning her own nuptials. Having found the guest list so overwhelming, the happy couple decided to have a cheese wedding cake, served on the arrival of additional guests to the wedding party after dinner and pudding had been served.

The result was a merry meeting of friends and family over delicious platters of cheese with plenty of wine, matched perfectly to each type of cheese that lasted well into the early hours of the morning. In fact, it is probably one of the most memorable weddings I've ever attended.

According to store manager Antoinette Morrow, this kind of trend is becoming more and more popular: ‘For people who are really into food and want to do something a little bit different its very appealing because you can cater for your guests during the meal and then later on for any evening guests added to the wedding party. It's been popular and there is such a range of cheeses to choose from that people will find something that takes their fancy.'

She goes on to highlight a shift in the wedding market away from traditional fruit cakes, to more modern tastes: ‘Up until a few years ago, I don't think anyone would have even thought of a cheese wedding cake, but it is becoming more popular. A lot of people would come in and say that a sweet, rich fruitcake is a bit old fashioned and they're looking for something a little bit more modern.' So as this trend continues to grow, modern brides everywhere will be able to have their cake, and eat it too!

Clydesdale & Morrow, 581 Lisburn Road, Belfast. Tel:028 90 662790
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