London's food world is reeling from the news of the sudden death of Anthony Heard, the founder of groundbreaking London cheesemakers Kupros Dairy. The news was announced at the weekend by his family who said: "We are overwhelmed already by the love and support we have received as a family and all the wonderful things many many people have said about Anthony."
Even if you hadn't heard of Anthony, there's a strong chance you'd have enjoyed his cheese in one of London's restaurants. Remember the baked halloumi at Oklava? You might have also tried it at The Cheese Bar. London-born, but half Cypriot, he followed family history in getting into the business (his great-grandmother was a cheesemaker). Made in North London, Anthony's halloumi-style cheese, Anglum, was a genuine revelation.
Following the news, Instagram was flooded with people remembering the cheesemaker and his amazing cheeses.
Dan Leppard: "Extremely saddened to learn that the very talented cheesemaker Anthony Heard from Kupros Dairy has died, too young and still with so much ahead of him."
Mangal 2 Restaurant: "Devastating news. As wonderful and as genuine as he was passionate. A real loss."
Sabrina Ghayour: "I am so genuinely saddened to read this. My condolences to you all. He was very kind to me and his loss will be felt."
Swaledale Butchers: "So sorry to read this - he was a man of rare kindness and warmth. He was one of the first to order from our website during Covid and sent such a kind message of support.
Patricia Michelson from La Fromagerie: "I am so very saddened to read this and send my sincere condolences to all Anthony’s family. What an amazing young man full of vision and such a joy to collaborate with and push the boundaries. Such a privilege to know."
Heard's legacy lives on in the anglum cheese he worked with St James's Dairy in Cartmel to create. So if you spot that on the menu, do give it a try.
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