Kris Lloyd’s best life
Ahead of CheeseFest’s 20th anniversary on October 18 and 19, cheesemaker Kris Lloyd reveals some of her favourite memories – including a ‘naughty’ interaction with King Charles.
You’ve got your fingers in many “pies” – how do you describe what you do? Organised chaos! I like being busy, I have a wide range of interests, and I like to have a variety of things on the go at any one time! I get bored easily, so it suits me to have it that way. So, whether it’s Woodside Cheese Wrights or CheeseFest or my jewellery line Epsilon Jewels, I love them all, because there is a mix of business, creativity, passion, and importantly, I get to work and play with so many different people, which I love.
Describe the best day of your life… Two unforgettable days stand out: when my sons, Mitchell and Alexander, were born. Nothing compares to that pure joy and overwhelming love. They’re still my greatest achievements and my proudest joy.
What brings you most joy? My grandchildren Florence and Charlotte. Before having these two little gems in my life, I truly thought being a grandparent was seriously overrated and I always said I was never going to be one of those that open their phone and show pics of grandchildren and their birthdays and christenings etc… Well, that didn’t last long – I take it all back and eagerly do a brag session with friends. They call me “Mim”, and it is so cute when they say it!
Best advice you’ve been given? …which I never took, was from Will Studd – author and cheese expert. He said, “Every cheesemaker I know has either gone broke, has gone mad or is dead. Why don’t you settle for a café instead?” I visited Will around 30 years ago and this was his advice to me when I was first starting out my cheese making career. Obviously, I ignored his words of wisdom, and we became great mates as it works out.
Most treasured photograph? With King Charles, Queen Camilla, Jay Weatherall (former Premier of South Australia) and Maggie Beer. The 2012 visit by the then-Prince Charles was a treasured moment for me and many other South Australian food ambassadors as we assembled with our wares at Penfolds Magill Estate for a foodie Royal tour.
Maggie was our chef de mission; we were all briefed about the do’s and don’ts. The standout direction: the Royals will not taste anything. As Prince Charles and Camilla came to me (I was a touch nervous but I had perfected my curtseying so I was keen to show that off), Prince Charles was taken by my Monet – my goat cheese with flowers. I had made a giant one and it truly looked beautiful. After talking to him about it, Camilla said, “oh, that is beautiful, it should be hanging on a wall – what a work of art!” At that point there were five or six people not saying anything but just looking at the Monet cheese so I blurted out, “would you like to try some?”
Maggie was stunned – I pulled out my little plate and knife and gave them a taste which I wasn’t meant to do.
They loved it and said it was as beautiful to eat as it was to look at. Luckily the result was positive and no more was said.
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Best meal you’ve ever eaten? High up on a hill in San Sebastian at a 3-hatted restaurant named Akelarre. The view, the food, the wine and the chef have left a lasting memory, and is a meal that has never been surpassed. If you are in that area, it is a must do.
Favourite purchase? Ongoing purchase of the fragrance Le Labo Santal 33 and all its accompaniments.
What are the best qualities of your favourite person? Honesty, loyalty, trustworthy and fun.
Top five songs on your playlist?
I have always admired Bowie – Let’s Dance and Wild is the Wind are my favourites from him.
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, especially at Christmas when we sit around the piano that both my sons play, and we sing along like we think we are professionals (many treasured memories there!)
Florence & The Machine – Dog Days are Over. I love her voice and the way she mixes harmonies.
Bitter Sweet Symphony by the Verve – I never tire of this song; it brings back great memories and is the opening song at CheeseFest every year.
Finally, I’ll sneak in Edith Piaf Non, Je Ne Regret.
CheeseFest 2025, which celebrates 20 years of the cheese festival, is Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19 in Rundle Park, Adelaide. Visit cheesefest.com.au
