Did you know that there are over 750 different British cheeses? Many are made by small-scale producers, with a passion for creating palette-delighting flavours. However, most aren’t found in your local supermarket, so how do you discover these delicious delights?
Prize Winning Cheeses
We often think of France as being the cheese capital of the world, but there are plenty of fantastic varieties of British cheeses. These include the nation’s favourite, cheddar, along with flavoursome blues, crumbly hards, gooey softs and delicate fresh cheeses.
Earlier this year, the 28th British Cheese Awards were held in Somerset. Over 600 entries from across the UK were judged by a panel of over 60 tasters. So, with such tough competition, the winners had to tick all the boxes!
Leading the pack in 2024 were:
Overall Winner: Snowdrop from Cote Hill Dairy
Best of Ireland: Cashel Blue from Cashel Farm
Top Scottish Entry: Minger from Highland Fine Cheeses
The English Winner: Tor from White Lake Cheese
Best of Welsh: Gafr Las from Brynaer Goats
Our Cheesemonger of Choice
Unfortunately, these varieties, along with many of the other strong contenders, are unlikely to be found in your local supermarket. That’s because they aren’t mass-produced. So, to get a taste of British cheeses, you need to visit a specialist cheesemonger or farm shop. Now, the advantage of this is that you benefit from the knowledge of the seller. What’s more, they can recommend cheeses based on your taste preferences, food pairings or recipe inspiration.
For us, the go-to specialist is No2 Pound Street in Wendover. They offer an extensive choice of British cheeses, which can be purchased in the shop or online. If you live locally, pop in and see if you agree with these customers:
“We joined the Great British Cheddar Cheese Challenge online after purchasing the cheese box. Next fun box will be blue cheese & cider. Best cheese deli in the UK! On a par with Fortnum & Masons.”
“Probably one of the best cheese shops in the UK, definitely the best in or near the Chilterns.
Made even more special with British only cheeses from producers using their own milk. Not to mention the excellent and knowledgeable staff.”
Whilst there, you might choose to wow your party guests with an impressive selection of British Cheeses or order a takeaway picnic platter with cheese, charcuterie, chutney and crackers. Equally, they sell online, which is ideal if you aren’t based in the area. Selling online is an area that the company is keen to expand and with that in mind, a new option is now available.
Cheesemongers Choice Subscription Boxes
No2 Pound Street has recently launched a ‘Cheesemongers Choice’ Subscription Box. So, if you are keen to expand your horizons and love a monthly treat, this could tick your boxes. Sign up and every month a selection of 4 artisan cheeses, with tasting notes, crackers and chutney will be delivered to your door. Maybe, you have a favourite deli that offers a subscription service to delight a cheese lover? If so, let us know your recommendations!
Meanwhile, if you are preparing to launch a subscription box service, our e-commerce packaging expertise can help. We’re happy to advise on the style of boxes, along with print and food standard, moisture-resistant finishes. We’ll manufacture cost-effective, best-fit shipping boxes for the products that you intend to send out to subscribers.
Simply email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk or call us 01296 436888 to share your requirements and benefit from our expertise.
