Splatters Cheese Bar

“Cheese brings people together,” smiles Jo Bangles, owner of Splatters Cheese Bar. “Whether you’re sharing a cheeseboard with friends or strangers, there’s always conversation and connection.”

As only one of two cheese trains in the Southern Hemisphere, Splatters Cheese Bar in West Melbourne is a unique culinary experience. The restaurant brings together the best of Australian cheeses and drinks, presented in an interactive sushi-train style format.

The fun started back in 2017, when Jo sold cheese platters at music festivals out of a food truck called Splatters. The idea came out of pure frustration (and wanting to get into music festivals for free, chuckles Jo).

“I was lugging a heavy esky full of cheese to a concert when I thought, ‘Why isn’t there a place to buy a proper cheese platter here?’” Jo explains. “In a week I’d bought a food truck and within three months I was rolling up to events serving up cheese platters.”

When the pandemic hit, things took an unexpected turn. With festivals and events cancelled and hundreds of kilos of cheese in her fridge, Jo pivoted to delivering cheese boxes to homes in Geelong and Melbourne.

“We’re grateful that it was the busiest time in our business, but it became more than just about the cheese,” Jo says. “People were isolated, and those deliveries became a way to connect. Some customers hadn’t seen their family in months—they’d cry when we delivered their cheese box and want to have a chat. I’m proud that we made a difference in people’s lives.”

Once the world started opening up again, Jo had a new dream in mind—a cheese train, inspired by sushi trains.

In 2022, Splatters’ rotating conveyor belt became a reality in Geelong. Guests could sit and sample a variety of Australian artisanal cheeses, paired with wines, charcuterie, and delicious homemade sides.

A perennial favourite is the triple-cream Brie from Onkaparinga Creamery, paired with house-made white chocolate biscoff and marmalade fudge.

“It’s incredible to see strangers bond over their love of cheese,” says Jo. “One minute they’re shy, and the next they’re debating the merits of blue cheese versus cheddar!”

Splatters became a must-visit destination in Geelong, so Jo was encouraged to expand to the West End development in 2024. Big things are on the horizon, with plans to open two more locations by the end of 2026.

“Good cheese, good wine, and good company—that’s what life’s about,” smiles Jo.

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio