TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best English Cheese Types
This is not your regular Cheddar made across the world, but a unique one because of its maturity, distinctive full flavor, the source of milk and special methods of handmade production within the four Counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
It needs to mature for at least 9 months before it is sold, either in cylindrical shape or in blocks of variable sizes. Its flavor can be described as full, sharp and nutty, and it is firm and creamy yellow on the inside, with a crumbly texture. West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is best paired with grapes, pears, apples, figs, celery or ripe tomatoes.
Lincolnshire poacher is an English hard cheese made with raw milk from Holstein cows. This cylindrical cheese is usually matured for 14 to 16 months. Its texture is open and smooth, while the flavors are strong, rich, fruity, sweet, and nutty.
It is recommended to pair it with beer or full-bodied reds and whites.
This sharp cow's milk cheese is one of the most popular cheeses in the world today, and it was first produced in the village of Cheddar in Somerset county, England in the 12th century. Cheddar is a hard cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, and it ranges from white to pale yellow in color.
When young, its texture is smooth, and when it is left to mature, the texture becomes more crumbly and it gets a sharper flavor. Joseph Harding—a cheesemaker often referred to as the "father of Cheddar"—said that the authentic Somerset Cheddar should have a close texture, a full, fine flavor reminiscent of hazelnuts, and a melt-in-the-mouth quality.
Pair with
VARIATIONS OF Cheddar
THE BEST Cheddar Cheeses


Cabot Creamery
Cabot Jalapeno 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2013, 2012, 2009
Shropshire Blue is a British blue cheese produced in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and is best described as a cross between Cheshire and Stilton. Shropshire Blue ages from 10 to 12 weeks and develops a natural rind that hides a creamy and smooth texture of the carrot-colored body with blue veining throughout.
The orange color comes from annatto. The aromas are strong and rich, while the flavors are intense, sharp, tangy, creamy, and full. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of Pinot Noir or Riesling.
Pair with
THE BEST Shropshire Blue Cheeses


Colston Bassett & District Dairy
Colston Bassett Shropshire Blue
International Cheese Awards - Gold 2024
Blue Wensleydale is an English cheese hailing from the town of Hawes. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk and it was invented in the late 19th century by Thomas Nuttall. Underneath its cloth-wrapped rind, the texture is dense and hard, with blue veining dispersed throughout the paste.
The aromas are rich, while the flavors are mellow, creamy, acidic, and salty, with savory and slightly sharp notes. The cheese is usually left to mature for 6 months before consumption. It's recommended to pair it with light red wines and use it in pear and walnut salad or serve it with prosciutto.
Applewood is an English cheese originating from Ilchester in Somerset, where it was first produced in 1965. Made from cow's milk, this cheddar cheese has a semi-hard, dense texture and a natural rind. It is also known as Applewood Smoked Cheddar – however, it is not smoked, but artificially flavored with smoke and dusted with paprika, giving it a golden-amber visual appearance on the exterior.
Its flavor is spicy and smoky. It is recommended to grate Applewood over pasta and baked potatoes, but it can also be served with raisins and apples for those with a sweet tooth.
Double Gloucester is an English cheese produced in Gloucestershire, hence the name. The cheese is made with full fat cow's milk using the cream from one night's milking and also the following day's milking – hence the word double in its name, but Double Gloucester is twice the height of Single Gloucester, so that might also be a reason for the word double in the name of this cheese.
Its texture is smooth and buttery when young, but as it ages (for at least four months) the texture and the rind become very hard, which is the reason why Double Gloucester is used in the popular Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling event. The flavors of this cheese are nutty, creamy, citrusy, rich, and buttery.
THE BEST Double Gloucester Cheeses


Oxford Blue is an English blue cheese produced in Buckinghamshire. The cheese is made with cow's milk, and its texture is semi-soft and creamy. The flavors are spicy, salty, sharp, and tangy, while the aromas are strong. Oxford Blue was first produced at the Oxford Cheese Company in 1994 by Baron Robert Pouget and Steve Peace.
It is recommended to serve this cheese with a glass of white wine on the side.
Devon Blue is a semi-hard artisan cheese made from raw milk of Ayrshire cows. It is produced by Ben Harris and Robin Condgen of Ticklemore Cheese. In order for the blue mold to develop, Devon Blue needs to mature for 6 to 8 months.
The cheese has a dense, crumbly, and firm texture; the aromas are earthy, while the flavor is spicy, smooth, and buttery. It is recommended to pair Devon Blue with a glass of cider.
Derby is an English cheese hailing from Derbyshire. This semi-hard cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a waxed rind that hides a creamy, smooth, firm, and open texture of the interior. The aroma is mild and the flavors are sweet, mild, and buttery.
Derby melts exceptionally well and it has been produced since the 16th century, making it one of England's oldest and most popular cheeses – there are also versions with port wine or sage. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc.
Pair with
VARIATIONS OF Derby
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best English Cheese Producers
Barber's is a distinguished British cheesemaker with over 190 years of history. Founded in 1833 by Daniel Barber, the company has remained family-owned and is based in Somerset, a region known for its rich agricultural tradition. Today, Barber's continues to be a leader in the production of premium cheddar cheeses.
Barber's prides itself on maintaining traditional methods of cheesemaking. The process begins with the highest quality milk sourced from over 100 local farming families who follow strict standards for animal care and milk production. The milk is then processed in the cheese dairy using age-old techniques passed down through generations.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2019, 2018

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
Cornish Cheese, based in England, is known primarily for producing Cornish Blue, a type of cheese that has garnered recognition in various cheese awards. This company operates from a farm in Cornwall, where it crafts its cheeses using traditional methods.
The Cornish Blue, which is a soft, creamy blue cheese, was specifically developed to be milder than some of the sharper blue cheeses available. Cornish Cheese sources all its milk locally, ensuring freshness and quality in its cheese production.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
BEST Cornish Cheese Cheeses
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Hollis Mead Organic Dairy Cheeses
Neal's Yard Dairy is a renowned British cheese shop and maturing facility dedicated to showcasing and nurturing the best of British and Irish cheeses. Established in 1979, the company is celebrated for its commitment to quality, working closely with small-scale producers to select, mature, and sell exceptional cheeses.
Their focus is on traditional, raw milk cheeses, which are aged in their own maturing rooms to ensure the best flavor development. Neal's Yard Dairy is not only passionate about curating a diverse range of artisanal cheeses but also about preserving and promoting the craftsmanship of British cheesemakers.
BEST Neal's Yard Dairy Cheeses
Westcombe Dairy is a traditional family-run dairy located in the heart of Somerset, England. Situated on Lower Westcombe Farm in Evercreech, the dairy has been crafting artisanal cheeses for over 100 years. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and traditional production methods has made them one of the most respected producers in the region.
Westcombe Dairy is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of cheese production in Somerset, particularly renowned for producing Cheddar cheese. The dairy uses raw milk from its own herd of cows, which graze on lush pastures in the surrounding area. This high-quality milk serves as the foundation for their cheeses, which are made using traditional methods passed down through generations.
BEST Westcombe Dairy Cheeses
Village Maid Cheese, based in Riseley, England, was established by Anne Wigmore in 1986 after a decade of experience at the National Institute for Research in Dairying. The company is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, including the award-winning Wigmore, Waterloo, and Spenwood, which are all produced using traditional methods and milk from local farms committed to sustainability and animal welfare.
The cheese production at Village Maid emphasizes minimal changes to traditional methods over the years, focusing on handmade processes and environmental sustainability. For instance, they innovated by replacing disposable cheese cloths with a more sustainable alternative to reduce waste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST Village Maid Cheese Cheeses
Stichelton Dairy is a dairy farm specializing in the production of traditional English cheese. The most famous product of this dairy is Stichelton Cheese, which is very similar to Blue Stilton, but it is made using traditional methods and raw milk, unlike Stilton, which is made from pasteurized milk.
Stichelton Cheese is a rich, creamy blue cheese with complex flavors, and its aging process lasts from a few months to a year, depending on the desired character. The cheese is recognizable by its pungent aroma and the blue veins that develop during the aging process.
Wensleydale Creamery, located in England, specializes in producing the traditional Wensleydale cheese. This creamery is noted for its heritage dating back to the 12th century, originally established by Cistercian monks. It focuses on crafting cheeses that are PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) accredited, ensuring Wensleydale cheese is made exclusively in and around the town of Hawes in Wensleydale.
The Creamery plays a crucial economic role in the region, supporting local farming by sourcing milk from over 40 farms.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019, 2018

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019

Global Cheese Awards - Best
2018
BEST Wensleydale Creamery Cheeses
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
BEST Joseph Heler Cheeses
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Delamere Dairy Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best English Cheeses
Spenwood cheese, produced by Village Maid Cheese is a distinguished artisanal cheese crafted from unpasteurised ewe's milk using vegetarian rennet. This firm cheese is matured for about 7-8 months, developing a thin, natural rind during the process.
Its flavor profile is rich and nutty with sweet and savory notes, and it becomes more piquant and slightly crumbly as it ages, making it a great substitute for Parmesan in various dishes. Spenwood is often compared to Mediterranean cheeses like Pecorino and Manchego due to its texture and taste.
It has received significant recognition in the cheese world, having been awarded Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022, 2021

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
Barber's Vintage Farmhouse Cheddar produces Vintage Cheddar, which is well-known for being one of the oldest cheddar cheese makers in the world, originating in Somerset, England. Their Vintage Cheddar is typically aged for up to 24 months and is celebrated for its rich, complex flavor profile.
This cheese features a distinctively sharp taste with a creamy yet crumbly texture. Barber's unique use of traditional starter cultures, which have been maintained and propagated since the 1950s, contribute to the depth and intensity of the flavor.
This product is also notable for holding a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, ensuring that it is authentically crafted using time-honored methods and locally sourced milk.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2019

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
Cornish Blue is a semi-soft blue cheese made by The Cornish Cheese. It is known for its mild, creamy flavor and buttery richness, which sets it apart from traditional blue cheeses that typically have a salty tang. With a dense texture and gentle sweetness, this cheese is perfect for those who enjoy a more subtle blue cheese experience.
Cornish Blue is designed to be eaten as a young cheese and is suitable for vegetarians. It has received numerous prestigious awards, including the World Cheese Awards Super Gold and the Great Taste Awards Gold. It is recommended to serve Cornish Blue at room temperature to fully appreciate its flavors.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
Barber's produce a Mature Cheddar known for its rich, full-bodied flavor. This cheddar is aged for around 12 months to develop a more pronounced and robust taste profile. The texture is typically firm, with a slightly crumbly consistency that is characteristic of well-aged cheddar cheeses.
Barber's have a long history and heritage in cheese-making, using traditional methods passed down through generations.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2019, 2018

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
Yorkshire Wensleydale from Wensleydale Creamery is a traditional, award-winning cheese with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Originating from the picturesque Wensleydale region in North Yorkshire, England, it is known for its mild texture and slightly sweet flavor.
Made from cow’s milk, it features a delicate, creamy character with a subtle tangy note that perfectly balances its natural creaminess. This cheese is carefully crafted using traditional methods, with a special focus on quality and consistency. Yorkshire Wensleydale pairs wonderfully with fruity wines, port, or cider, making it a versatile choice for any cheese board.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2021, 2019

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
Wigmore is a semi-soft cheese crafted by Village Maid Cheese, a company known for producing artisan cheeses. This particular cheese is made using pasteurized ewe's milk, which gives it a delicate and creamy texture. Wigmore has a gentle flavor that carries hints of floral and mushroom undertones, attributable to its aging process and the quality of milk used.
Its rind is washed and develops a light, bloomy appearance as it matures. Lovers of cheese often note Wigmore for its smooth and slightly sweet taste, making it a favorite among those who prefer milder cheeses.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
Joseph Heler Ltd produces Vintage Red Leicester, a classic British cheese known for its vibrant color and distinctive taste. This cheese is made using traditional methods and aged for a period to develop a firm texture and rich, nutty flavor, accentuated by a slightly sweet undertone.
The cheese's bold red color comes from the addition of annatto, a natural coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. Vintage Red Leicester by Joseph Heler is often lauded for its crumbly yet creamy texture, making it a popular choice for cheese boards and culinary applications.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 English Cheeses” list until April 15, 2025, 1,846 ratings were recorded, of which 1,480 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.