Explore the Best Artisan Cheese Shops Across the UK
There’s something special about the artisan cheese shops UK. From rich, crumbly Lancashire to creamy Cornish Yarg, British cheesemakers craft an amazing range of flavours, textures and styles. These cheeses aren’t churned through machines or piled into huge supermarket fridges. They’re created lovingly in small batches, carefully aged and wrapped, often by hand.
We’ve been lucky to explore some of the best artisan cheese shops UK, and we’re delighted to share our favourites. Whether you’re a fan of punchy blue cheeses, nutty hard ones or gooey soft cheeses, there’s something to discover in every corner of the country.
The Cheese Shop Nantwich – Traditional, Local, Exceptional
Let’s start with our very own home, The Cheese Shop Nantwich. Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, our shop is filled with over 100 types of cheese. Our artisan range is full of small-batch British cheeses made with care and tradition. From award-winning Stilton to mature farmhouse Cheddars, our artisan cheeses celebrate the rich cheese heritage across the UK.
We love supporting local producers, and it shows on our shelves. Take Appleby’s Cheshire, made with raw milk for a bright, zesty flavour. Or Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire, which crumbles beautifully on a hot buttered oatcake. These aren’t cheeses you forget.
Paxton & Whitfield – London’s Oldest Cheesemonger
With roots stretching back to 1797, Paxton & Whitfield is a fixture on Jermyn Street in London and holds royal warrants. They focus on sourcing the best of British and European cheeses, many of them made in small dairies around the countryside. Their team travels far and wide to find cheeses made by hand, like Tunworth, a British take on Camembert, and Sinodun Hill, a creamy goat’s cheese from Oxfordshire.
What’s brilliant is they encourage tasting before buying. For many, especially in busy cities, it’s a rare treat to try before you take a wedge home.
The Courtyard Dairy – A Yorkshire Treasure
Hidden in Austwick, The Courtyard Dairy isn’t just a shop; it’s a destination. Set up by passionate cheesemongers who wanted to champion raw milk cheese, this rural spot is known for its deep knowledge and enthusiasm. Their curated collection of cheeses includes everything from young, fresh cheeses to aged hard cheeses matured in their own caves.
They also support small British farmers by buying directly from them. Cheeses like St Andrew’s Cheddar and Kirkham’s Lancashire aren’t just sold here; they’re truly celebrated.
I.J. Mellis Cheesemongers – Scottish Flavours at Their Best
Scotland’s rolling hills offer incredible milk and brilliant cheese. I.J. Mellis has been showcasing this for over 25 years, with cheese shops in Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews. Their focus is firmly on artisan and farmhouse cheese, matured in traditional maturing rooms known as “caves.”
Expect to find cheeses like Highland Blue, Anster, or Isle of Mull Cheddar. These aren’t your everyday cheeses; they’re full of flavour and tell a story about where they’re from. Pair them with something sweet or salty from your kitchen, or browse the biscuits and accompaniments section of our own shop to make that cheese shine.
George Mewes Cheese – Quality in Every Crumb
Found in Glasgow and Edinburgh, George Mewes Cheese is known for small-batch, award-winning cheeses picked by expert mongers. Their shops are stylish but focused, every cheese there has been tasted and chosen with purpose. They have an eye for quality and a nose for discovery.
If you stop by, look for Scottish specials like Lanark Blue or Clava Brie. With friendly staff at hand, it feels more like being welcomed into someone’s kitchen than stepping into a shop.
Don’t Miss Our Deli Favourites
While cheese takes centre stage, the rest of the board matters too. The perfect cheese plate needs olives, cured meats or slow-roasted tomatoes to complete it. That’s why at The Cheese Shop Nantwich, we’ve built up a beautiful deli and antipasti corner that’s just as full of flavour.
Pickles cut through creamy textures, while a drizzle of sticky balsamic makes goat’s cheese sing. These extras aren’t optional; they’re a must once you’ve tried them together.
Image of Artisan Cheese Delights
A Gift for Cheese Lovers
Looking for a gift that’s more exciting than socks? Few things beat a surprise box of cheese, biscuits, and treats. Our hampers and cheese gifts bring together the best bits of what we do, from classic combinations to themed selections for blue cheese lovers, Christmas feasts or birthday grazing.
Whether it’s a ready-made hamper or a bespoke selection, there’s joy in every bite. Trust us, once the lid lifts, the smiles come quickly.
Join A Cheese Adventure Each Month
If you prefer to dive deeper, our cheese club might be just the thing. Every month, we send out a handpicked box of cheeses, packed with tasting notes and stories about the makers. We also share pairing tips so every nibble feels a bit special.
It’s a lovely way to explore new cheeses you might never try otherwise. Our customers tell us they often discover new favourites each month and have got used to family or housemates checking the post eagerly when delivery day arrives.
FAQs
What makes cheese “artisan”?
Artisan cheese is made in small quantities using traditional methods. Often, it’s produced by hand on family farms, using milk from a specific herd. These cheeses aren’t mass-produced and usually have more complex flavours.
Are artisan cheeses more expensive?
They can be, since they’re made in smaller batches with high-quality ingredients and lots of care. But many people love the taste and think it’s worth every penny.
Do these shops only sell local cheeses?
Not always. While many focus on British cheeses, some also bring in exciting choices from Europe, like French Brie or Spanish Manchego, to offer something extra.
How should I store artisan cheese?
Keep it in the fridge, but wrap it in wax paper or greaseproof paper. Avoid cling film, which can trap moisture. Let it come to room temperature before eating to enjoy the full flavour.
Can I buy artisan cheese online?
Yes! Many shops, including The Cheese Shop Nantwich, offer online shopping with chilled delivery, so your cheese arrives fresh and tasty.
A Food Adventure Awaits at The Cheese Shop Nantwich
Whether you’re near Yorkshire’s green hills or walking London’s busy streets, there’s an artisan cheese shop somewhere with a wedge waiting just for you. With layers of flavour, textures to explore and passionate cheesemongers happy to chat, it’s more than just shopping, it’s a food adventure.
Visit The Cheese Shop Nantwich online or in person to experience real flavour from real makers. Whether you’re choosing a bold blue, joining our cheese club or picking out the perfect deli treat for your next cheese night, we’re always here to help you bring flavour to the table.
