Wondering along the Izerenleen you cannot mistake the beautiful buildings lining both sides of the street. Yet, there is one shop which you cannot miss and that the Schockaert Kass Winkel. The Kass Winkel (Cheese Shop) is a must visit for both the locals and also visitors from near and far.
In 1915, Louis Schockaert originally opened a cheese shop in the Katelijnenstraat. The shop soon relocated to a location along the Bruul until 1932. Larger premises were required and Izerenlee is now where the store has permanently settled. At the end of World War II, Paul Schockaert (son of Louis) took over the business and expanded it with other products, yet still kept cheese and dairy products for sale.
During the 1970’s, Harry the son of Paul Schockaert took to the helm of the business and soon turned the shop into a cheese paradise. Harry became a member of the “Cercle des Fromagers Affineurs”, which provided opportunities to gain further knowledge with cheese suppliers in Belgium and France. This also led to an in-house storage for cheeses so they could naturally ripen and be stored. By having this in-house it enabled exquisite and rare cheeses to be stocked. The love of cheese and the ability to share the knowledge was indeed cemented.
With the fourth generation taking the lead Harry’s two daughters Sophie and Ann are now continuing the tradition of supplying over 200 quality cheeses. As members of the Slow Food movement, locally sourced, raw milk and organic cheeses are being included in the selection of differing varieties and styles which they are proud to sell.
For me personally, Schockaert is not just a cheese shop, it’s a Community and this truly shows by the shop turning 100 years old last year. At the same time, the Staff are extremely knowledgeable and happily share their favourites and recommendations.
In addition to cheese, Schockaert also provide a wide selection of cured meats, pates, salami, crackers and cheese biscuits, fresh milk and butter. Looking for grated cheese, then do not hesitate to ask, freshly (it is) grated cheese is readily available! A delight for any cheese lover…
Want to remember what cheese you have bought, don’t forget to ask for cheese label. For special events, Schockaert are able to create the ideal cheese platter – whether it is Goats, Sheep, Cow cheeses or simply a selection of your choice. If you are a fan of the Het Anker bier then also ask to taste the cheese which is flavoured with the Triple beer. (Lovely and creamy and is great for a cheese toasty).
For more information regarding Schockaert you can visit their website which is in Dutch.
The shop opening hours (as February 2016) are:
Monday – Gesloten
Tuesday – 08:00 – 18:00
Wednesday – Gesloten
Thursday – 08:00 – 18:00
Friday – 08:00 – 18:00
Saturday – 08:00 – 18:00
Sunday – 7:00 – 13:00
Contact details are:
T: +32 015 20 25 21
Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/schockaertkaas/?fref=ts
W: http://www.schockaert-kaas.be/
Address:
Yzerenleen 28
Mechelen
2800