Cheese lovers have never had so much choice, and here at The Cheese Shop Nantwich we love helping people find the perfect wedge for their table. Whether you fancy something sharp and tangy or soft and creamy, there is a British cheese out there that will suit your taste buds perfectly. This guide takes you through some of our favourite picks, with a special focus on one cheese that keeps winning fans across the country.
Getting to know British cheese varieties
Britain has one of the richest cheese-making traditions in the world, and it would be a shame not to explore it properly. From crumbly territorials to hard mountain-style cheeses, there is a huge range of flavours and textures waiting to be tried. Our guide to British cheese varieties is a great starting point if you want to learn more about where these cheeses come from and what makes each one special.
Many of these cheeses are still made using methods passed down through generations. Small dairies and family-run creameries across England, Scotland, and Wales continue to produce cheese by hand, using milk from their own herds. This attention to detail is what gives each cheese its own personality, and it is something we are proud to celebrate in our shop.
Old Winchester: a standout choice worth trying
If you have not tried Old Winchester yet, you are in for a treat. This hard cheese has a rich, nutty flavour that develops as it matures, with a firm texture that makes it perfect for grating, slicing, or simply enjoying on its own. Many people compare it to a mature Italian hard cheese, but Old Winchester has its own British character that sets it apart.
What makes Old Winchester so popular is how well it works in different settings. It can be shaved over pasta, melted into a sauce, or served as the centrepiece of a cheese board. The deep, savoury notes pair beautifully with a glass of red wine or a spoonful of chutney. If you are looking for a cheese that feels a little different from the usual choices, Old Winchester is well worth adding to your basket.
Exploring cheeses made by artisanal cheesemakers
One of the joys of shopping for cheese is discovering the stories behind the people who make it. Across the country, artisanal cheesemakers work hard to produce cheese with real depth of flavour, often using traditional recipes and techniques that have barely changed for decades. These smaller producers tend to focus on quality over quantity, which means every batch gets proper care and attention.
Take Mrs Kirkhams Lancashire as an example. This cheese is made using a traditional recipe that has been in the family for generations, giving it a lovely crumbly texture and a tangy, buttery taste. It is the sort of cheese that shows exactly why supporting smaller producers makes such a difference to flavour and quality.
Another lovely example comes from Cheshire, where Bournes wax-bound Cheshire is made using methods that have barely changed in over a century. The wax coating helps the cheese develop its flavour slowly, resulting in a crumbly texture with a slightly salty tang that fans of traditional Cheshire cheese will really enjoy.
Blue cheese and other bold flavours
For those who enjoy a stronger taste, blue cheese is always worth exploring. The blue veins running through the cheese come from a special mould that develops during the ageing process, giving the cheese its distinctive sharp and tangy flavour. Some blues are mild and creamy, while others pack a proper punch.
Our own Nantwich Blue is a fantastic example of a cheese that balances strength with smoothness. It has a creamy texture with just the right amount of sharpness, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to try blue cheese without being overwhelmed by it. It works wonderfully crumbled over a salad or paired with a slice of fruit cake.
Cheddar and classic English favourites
No cheese guide would be complete without mentioning cheddar. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the world, and for good reason. A good cheddar should have a firm bite with a flavour that ranges from mild and creamy to sharp and tangy depending on how long it has been matured.
We think Quickes cheddar is a brilliant example of what a properly made traditional cheddar should taste like. Made on a farm in Devon, this cheese has a rich depth of flavour that comes from careful ageing and a real dedication to quality. It is the sort of cheddar that makes you want to go back for another slice.
If you want to explore more classic options, our full range of English cheese gives you plenty of choice, from soft and mild to firm and full flavoured. There really is something for every taste in that selection.
Trying something a little different
For those who like to try something a bit unusual, our double barrel Lincolnshire Poacher cheese is a fantastic option. This cheese has a wonderful nutty flavour with a firm bite, and the double barrel ageing process gives it an extra layer of complexity that cheese fans really appreciate. It is a great one to bring out when you want to impress guests at a dinner party.
Building the perfect cheese board
When it comes to putting together a cheese board, variety is the key to success. Try to include a mix of textures and flavours, such as a hard cheese, a soft cheese, and something with a bit of a kick like a blue. Adding a few accompaniments such as chutney, crackers, grapes, and nuts will help bring everything together and give your guests plenty of options to explore.
Pairing cheese with the right drink can also make a big difference. A crisp white wine works beautifully with softer, milder cheeses, while a rich red wine tends to suit stronger, more mature cheeses. If wine is not your thing, a good quality cider or even a strong tea can work surprisingly well too.
Find Your Next Favourite Cheese in Nantwich
With so many wonderful cheeses to choose from, the best approach is simply to try a few and see what you enjoy most. Whether you are drawn to the rich, nutty character of Old Winchester, the tangy crumble of a traditional Lancashire, or the bold punch of a good blue cheese, there is plenty to explore. Supporting small, dedicated producers along the way means every bite comes with a bit of history and care behind it.
We would love to help you find your next favourite cheese here at The Cheese Shop Nantwich. Pop into the shop or browse our full range online, and let us guide you towards a cheese that suits exactly what you are looking for.
