We love making a World Cup match day an occasion, gathering friends and family at home to watch the game together. The anticipation before kick-off, a few chilled drinks on the table and plenty of debate before the first whistle blows – it’s all worth the four-year wait.
When the beautiful game is taking centre stage, food should be easy to share and full of flavour – so cheese and beer pairings are a natural fit. There’s no complicated prep or last-minute cooking; instead, all you need to do is present a few carefully chosen combinations that bring out the best in each other and keep everyone coming back for more.
If you’re looking for match day food ideas, these are three pairings to have on your team sheet.
Red Devil + Curious Brew Lager
Red Devil combines the creamy richness of Red Leicester with a gentle chilli warmth. Pair it with Curious Brew Lager and the contrast immediately comes into play. The lager is crisp and clean, with subtle citrus notes that brighten every bite.
Why it works: The lager’s refreshing finish cuts through the richness of the cheese, while its citrus notes lift the cheese’s fieriness and keep the flavours balanced.
The result: This pairing is harmonious but lively: the lager refreshes the palate while still allowing the cheese’s richness and spice to shine through.
Pair with: Hot Honey, Spelt & Sea Salt Crackers and Olives Et Al Siena Rosemary & Chilli Nuts
Black Bomber + Bragdy Conwy California Citrus Blonde
Black Bomber is bold, mature and intensely savoury, with the distinctive tang that has made it a firm favourite among Cheddar lovers. Bragdy Conwy California Citrus Blonde brings bright, citrus-forward flavours and a lighter body that creates a contrast to the cheese.
Why it works: The citrus notes bring freshness to the pairing, cutting through the richness and sharpening the extra mature Cheddar’s signature tang.
The result: A classic contrast pairing. The beer adds brightness, while Black Bomber delivers the depth and character that make it one of the best cheeses for beer.
Pair with: Balsamic Caramelised Onion Chutney, Wholemeal & Extra Virgin Olive Oil Crackers and Casalinga Borettane Onions in Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI
Beech Wood + Bragdy Conwy Surfin IPA
Naturally smoked over beechwood chips, Beech Wood offers deep savoury flavour with a subtly sweet smokiness on the finish. Bragdy Conwy Surfin IPA brings bold hops, balanced bitterness and vibrant tropical citrus aromas to the table.
Why it works: The hops’ character complements and amplifies the smoky notes of the cheese, while their bitterness balances its richness.
The result: An intense, layered pairing where smoke meets hops. Both bring plenty of flavour to the table, yet neither overwhelms the other.
Pair with: Spiced Tomato & Vodka Chutney, Spelt & Sea Salt Crackers and Senorio Bellota 100% Ibérico Hand-Carved Ham
Great football deserves great food, but that doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen. A few thoughtfully chosen cheese and beer pairings can transform your match-day spread into something everyone will remember long after the final whistle.
Explore our cheese and beer hampers collection for ready-made pairings, or browse our full cheese collection to create your own line-up for the tournament.
