A love letter to British cheese-making
Cheese-making in Britain goes back hundreds of years, and it is a craft we take seriously at The Cheese Shop Nantwich. Each region of the country has developed its own methods, flavours, and textures over generations, and many of these traditions are still followed today by small dairies that care about doing things properly. We think this history matters, and it is part of what makes each cheese on our shelves worth talking about.
Cheshire has long been known for its cheese, and the salty ground the cows graze on gives the milk a character you simply cannot copy anywhere else. That is why Cheshire cheese has such a strong reputation among people who know their cheese, and why we are proud to stock some of the best examples you will find.
A diverse selection to suit every taste
Not everyone likes the same cheese, and that is exactly why we keep such a wide range in stock. Some people want something soft and mild, others want a cheese so strong it makes their eyes water, and we think both of those people deserve to be looked after. Our shelves cover crumbly, creamy, blue, hard, and everything in between, so there really is something for every mood and every meal.
If you are new to British cheese, or simply want to understand what makes each region special, our guide to British cheese varieties is a good place to start. It breaks down the differences between the main types of cheese made across the country, and gives you a better idea of what to expect before you try something new.
We also stock some brilliant blue cheese for those who like a bit of a kick, including our own Nantwich blue, which has become a firm favourite with customers who enjoy a rich and creamy finish alongside that classic blue tang.
Bournes wax bound Cheshire cheese
One product that keeps customers coming back is our wax bound Cheshire cheese from Bournes. This cheese has a crumbly texture and a slightly tangy flavour that sets it apart from softer, milder cheeses. It is a proper taste of Cheshire, made using methods that have barely changed for years.
The wax coating is not just there to look nice on the shelf. It plays a real part in how the cheese develops. By sealing in moisture and keeping air out, the wax helps the cheese mature slowly and evenly, which is what gives it that distinctive depth of flavour. It also helps keep the cheese fresh for longer once it reaches your kitchen, so you get more time to enjoy it at its best.
Cheshire cheese has a long history in this part of the country, and the wax bound version is a lovely way to experience it in a form that has been carefully looked after from the dairy right through to the shop.
Artisanal cheese made the traditional way
Behind every good cheese is someone who really cares about how it is made. Artisanal cheese making is about small batches, careful attention, and a refusal to cut corners just to speed things up. This is what separates the cheeses we stock from the mass-produced blocks you find in a lot of supermarkets.
Take Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire as an example. This cheese is made by hand using traditional methods that have been passed down through the family for generations. You can taste the difference that this kind of care makes, and it is a lovely example of what artisanal cheese-making looks like when it is done properly.
Another cheese we love recommending is Quicke’s cheddar, made on a farm that has been producing cheese since the 1500s. It shows that some things really do get better with time, and that sticking to methods that work is often the smartest choice a cheese maker can make.
Something a little different: double barrel Lincolnshire Poacher
For those who like to try something a bit unusual, we recommend reading about the double barrel Lincolnshire Poacher cheese. This cheese has a nutty flavour with a firm bite, and the double barrel process gives it an extra layer of character that cheese lovers tend to get quite excited about. It is a great example of how British cheese makers continue to experiment while still respecting traditional methods.
Why our cheese selection appeals to everyone
We often hear from customers who say they came in looking for one thing and left with three or four different cheeses because they simply could not resist trying something new. This is one of the nicest parts of running a cheese shop. Whether someone is putting together a cheese board for a party, or just fancies something tasty with crackers on a Friday night, we want them to leave with something they will genuinely enjoy.
Our range appeals just as much to someone who has never given cheese much thought before as it does to a true cheese connoisseur who knows exactly what they are looking for. Good cheese speaks for itself, and we simply try to make sure the good stuff is easy to find.
Our commitment to quality Cheshire cheese and beyond
Everything we stock is chosen because we believe in it. We want every wedge of cheese that leaves our shop to reflect the hard work and skill that went into making it. That means working with small producers, understanding their methods, and only offering cheese that we would happily eat ourselves.
Quality Cheshire cheese, proper Lancashire, rich blues, and everything else on our shelves are all chosen with the same level of care. We think that shows in the taste, and we hope it shows in the way we talk about it too.
To sum up, good cheese takes time, skill, and a genuine respect for tradition, and that is exactly what you will find across our range. From wax bound Cheshire to nutty double barrel Lincolnshire Poacher, there is plenty to explore and enjoy.
Come and see what catches your eye, ask us questions if you are not sure where to start, and let us help you find your next favourite cheese at The Cheese Shop Nantwich.
