Here at Culture Calling we think few things are grater than a good slice (read: whole wedge) of cheese. So, what could BRIE better than a bucket list of our favourite English cheese shops...?
Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes
Image credit: Wensleydale Creamery
Wallace & Gromit had to go to the Moon to bring back some delicious cheese when they ran out of their beloved Wensleydale. Luckily, for a taste of their favourite, you need only take a visit to Yorkshire to the Wensleydale Creamery. Known for their award-winning traditional cheese making and creative recipe development, it’s easy to see why Wallace panicked so much when he’d run out of his cheese of choice. Wensleydale has a strong history in the area, with cheese being produced as far back as 1150 by French Monks. Today, the monks have been replaced by the team at the Creamery, who you can watch whilst they produce the cheese, as well as enjoy the whole interactive visitor experience which details the cheese-making journey from cow to counter.
Wensleydale Creamery is located at Gayle Lane, Hawes, Wensleydale, DL8 3RN.
The Fine Cheese Company, Bath
Image credit: The Fine Cheese Co.
At over twenty years old, The Fine Cheese Co. is as beautifully matured as some of its cheesiest offerings and prides itself on championing British cheesemakers, whilst also exploring the rest of Europe for new selections to add to their treasure trove of cheeses. Their original shop in historic Bath stocks a vast selection of artisan cheeses as well as a selection of charcuterie, crackers, chutneys and fruit for the perfect platter. They also offer the option for celebration cheese cakes for special occasions and a whole host of handmade breakfast dishes, takeaway sandwiches and a deli counter to make everyday a little extra special and a lot more cheesy.
The Fine Cheese Co. is found at 29-31 Walcot St, Bath, BA1 5BN.
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, Cheddar
Image credit: Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
When it comes to the UK’s favourite cheese, Cheddar wins by a landslide. So, what better place to pay homage to the King of British cheese than to go back to the place it all began, the village of Cheddar. Amongst the beautiful Somerset backdrop, the family owned Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is the only place still making Cheddar in its village birthplace. You can indulge your fromage fancies in their shop stocked with their own cheeses in varying degrees of strength, guest cheeses, as well as every cheeseboard accoutrement you could ever want. However, one of the highlights of a visit is being able to watch their skilled team actually make the cheese by hand. You’ll have to stop yourself from diving in to a whole block!
You can find Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company at The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QA.
The Cheese Society, Lincoln
Image credit: The Cheese Society
In Queso extreme cheese cravings, take a trip to The Cheese Society in the beautiful city of Lincoln. This family business has grown from a mail order cheese business to now also including a welcoming shop and small cheese café. Their love of all things cheesy shines through with their amazing selection and expertise when it comes to their shop, as well as delicious cheese and charcuterie boards catered to your tastes. Add to this menu champions such as Macaroni Cheese, soufflés and oozing baked cheeses and raclettes, and you’ve got yourself a little slice of a dairy-lover’s dream.
The Cheese Society can be found at 1 St Martin's Ln, Lincoln, LN2 1HY.
Cheese Please, Lewes
Image credit: Cheese Please
Celebrations such as birthdays and weddings are known to be events full of joy, emotion… and food. So, what could make such a blissful day even better? If the celebration cake was made from tiers of cheeses! This dream is just one of the very Gouda offerings from Cheese Please. If you’re ever wishing to spoil the cheese lover in your life, the team behind Cheese Please have you covered from the aforementioned showstopper ‘cakes’ to bespoke hampers. Specialists in sourcing and stocking British cheeses, this award-winning East Sussex cheesemongers not only sells a vast collection of cheeses, but also hold cheese and wine events and talks. Ideal for all your fromage forays.
Cheese Please is located at 46 High St, Lewes, BN7 2DD.