The very best varieties of English cheese – how did you celebrate National Cheese Day?

Last week cheese lovers across the country celebrated National Cheese Day and it got us thinking about the incredibly rich variety of English cheeses. From traditional favourites to bold artisan creations, Britain’s cheese scene is thriving – thanks to skilled producers who prioritise quality, sustainability, and animal welfare. 

Britain’s favourite cheeses 

The UK’s most-loved cheeses reflect classic British craftsmanship and regional influences but are increasingly having a global influence: 

• Cheddar: the UK’s top selling cheese, making up nearly half of all cheese consumed. Originating in Somerset, it ranges from mild to extra mature and is available worldwide. 

• Red Leicester: crumbly, slightly sweet, and brightly coloured – perfect in sandwiches or melted into dishes and of course a ploughman’s lunch. 

• Brie: though French in origin, British-made Brie from Somerset is widely available and loved for its soft, creamy texture. 

• Mozzarella: originating in Italy this cooking essential for pizza and pasta is now widely made in the UK and is available fresh or grated. 

• Wensleydale: crumbly and tangy, often paired with cranberries is a classic from Yorkshire and now immortalised by the popular Wallace & Gromit movies! 

• Stilton: the UK’s iconic blue cheese – bold, tangy, and a festive favourite from Leicestershire. 

• Double Gloucester: smooth, rich, and versatile, with a mellow flavour has for a long time been the desire of locals in the West Country and further afield, leading to the notorious Coopers Hill cheese rolling race. 

Health benefits of cheese 

While cheese can generally be quite high in saturated fat, it can also be nutrient-dense and good for you as part of a well-balanced diet – everything in moderation! The health benefits of cheese include that it’s high in protein, packed full of calcium (essential for bone health), high in vitamins A, D and B12 and also a great source of probiotic – particularly in aged soft cheeses like brie and blue varieties. 

Quick cheese recipe ideas 

Cheese is a versatile product and the wide variety of different cheeses available means there is a lot you can do to enjoy your favourite cheese. Here are a few brief ideas for you to try, so that you can do more than just popping your cheese on a cracker! 

• Cheddar & broccoli soup – simply blend steamed broccoli, vegetable stock, cream, and mature Cheddar. 

• Red Leicester scones – add cheese and paprika to a traditional scone dough for a delightful savoury snack. 

• Brie & cranberry chicken – stuff chicken breasts with brie and cranberry, then pop in the oven to bake. 

• Stilton & pear salad – a simple summer dish, just toss rocket with fresh English pears, walnuts, stilton, and balsamic dressing. 

• Wensleydale with cranberries on oatcakes – top with honey for a sweet-savoury snack. 

  
  

Artisan cheeses to try 

As always, here at WeFarmShop we want to shine a spotlight on, and support, local producers, and encourage you to try and find local cheesemakers near you. We’re always adding new producers to our app for you to buy direct from, and here are some of our top small scale British cheeses that you can find at WeFarmShop: 

• Brinkworth Dairy: Ceri is the fifth generation of the family to have made cheese on the farm. Starting in 2005 she revived the Wiltshire Loaf which went on to win Best Territorial Cheese at the British Cheese Awards. The Wiltshire Loaf was recorded by Jane Austen in her book Emma! 

• Black Cow: award winning cheese from cows that graze the fields surrounding the Black Cow Distillery (they make incredible vodka!) in West Dorset.Aged for a minimum of 12 months in thick black wax, the cheese has an incredibly intense and rich flavour, not to mention a satisfyingly crumbly texture. 

In addition, some of our other favourites include Stinking Bishop which was famously voted Britain’s smelliest cheese, Tunworth which is a British camembert from Hampshire, Pitchfork Cheddar – a traditional, cloth-bound cheese from Somerset, and Harbourne Blue. 

We hope that you marked National Cheese Day by enjoying some of these exceptional cheeses - and by doing so you supported the talented and passionate artisans who craft them!