'I tried London’s ultimate fondue experience and I was transported to the Swiss Alps'

As a cheese lover, I’ve always dreamed of going to Switzerland and enjoying a traditional fondue experience. Now, you don’t need to leave London to try it.

Vagabond, a wine bar with eight London locations, has launched a cheese fondue sharer with wine pairings. With over 100 wines to self-pour by the glass, this spot caters to both cheese and wine enthusiasts.

I visited their Monument branch to try this winter warmer. I loved the atmosphere; the dimly lit restaurant is incredibly spacious, offering a private feel that would require a large crowd to fill.

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Their wine offering is both impressive and, my favourite, highly interactive! They have five wine stations, split by the flavour and wine type, where you can read each bottle’s fact sheet, grab a wine glass, and pour your pick in three different sizes.

Their wine selection is both impressive and interactive; there are five stations divided by flavour and type, where you can self-pour one of three sizes.

Each bottle has a fact sheet, and once you pick your favourite wine, you can pour 25ml, 125ml, or 175ml, with prices starting at around £2, £8, and £13 respectively.

Once your glass is filled, it’s time to dive into the fondue. Served with toasted baguette, new potatoes, cornichons, and balsamic Borettane onions, it’s a classic Swiss spread for cheese lovers.

The fondue itself combines Alpine Swiss, Emmental, Raclette, and Gruyère cheeses. This blend is melted with white wine and kirsch brandy, creating a rich and balanced flavour.

For something extra, there are optional add-ons, like pigs in blankets (£8), Serrano ham (£6.50), and roasted mushrooms (£5). The mushrooms pair amazingly with the cheese, while I believe the other extras work better on their own.

The cheese and wine pairing was heavenly – these two are simply made for each other. The cheese had a rich, warm flavour that felt perfect for winter, especially when balanced with milder food like potatoes and bread.

While the flavour was fantastic, £20 per person felt expensive for what’s included. With add-ons and wine priced separately, the base offering includes cheese, about two quartered potatoes, a quarter baguette, and a handful of pickles.

While this would not be an everyday outing for me, it’s a lovely option for a special occasion. If you’re a cheese and wine lover celebrating a milestone or wanting to go extra this festive season, this experience is for you.

You can find Vagabond Monument at 51 Gracechurch St, London EC3V 0EH. Vagabond also has venues at at Battersea Power Station, Charlotte Street, Fulham, Northcote Road, Paddington, Shoreditch, and Victoria.