When we think of Somerset, our thoughts take on a golden hue. We imagine sparkling pints of cider, waves of barley shimmering in the evening sun, and, of course thick slices of rich, mellow cheese. Our resident expert on West Country food and drink, Gwen Vonthron, has picked out five of the best cheeses to seek out in Somerset.
Somerset is known for its Cheddar, and I’ve picked out two stand-out candidates below, but you’ll also find some more unusual Somerset cheeses.
Montgomery
Jamie Montgomery is following his grandfather’s tradition, started in 1911, by using the traditional methods of ‘cheddaring’, using the same strains of starter culture used 111 years ago. He is one of the few cheesemakers who still uses calf rennet to set the curds, and he is almost unique in using a peg mill to break up the cheddared curd – which gives the cheese its brittle, broken texture.
Barber’s Cheddar
Now the oldest surviving cheddar-maker in the world, Barber’s have been making cheddar on their Somerset farm since 1883. Combining new innovations with traditional methods, Barber’s ‘cheddar’ their curds by hand and mature their cheese until it reaches peak condition, creating a uniquely rich and full-flavoured cheese.
Bath Blue from the Bath Soft Cheese Company
Creamy and soft in texture, Bath Blue was awarded Supreme Champion at the World Cheese Award in 2014. A two-month ripening process gives it it’s lovely blue-veined taste. It also happens to be the closest cheese maker to the Sawday’s office!
Blissful Blue
Made from buffalo’s milk, it’s a soft, yet moreish, and powerful flavoured blue cheese made at the edge of Exmoor. Its creamy texture is good match for powerful full bodied red wine and it’s vegetarian, the blue veins come from the penicillium roqueforti (as in Roquefort) give the characteristic blue tang.
Eve Goat Cheese
Taking inspiration from the cheesemaking methods of Provence – this small, soft goats’ cheese is wrapped in vine leaves. It’s also washed in Somerset cider brandy, creating a wonderfully nutty flavour.
Discover our special places to stay in Somerset here >
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Sign up >Recommended places to stay in Somerset
Mount Pleasant Farm
Axbridge, Somerset
Bramley Cottage
Broadway, Somerset
Sock Cottage
Yeovil, Somerset
Gwen Vonthron
Sawday's Expert
Gwen is the lucky soul in charge of our UK pubs and hotels, as well being on the Employee Council and happily getting involved in just about any project going. Growing up in a hamlet in the foothills of the French Pyrenees has given him a drive to socialise and an unquenchable fondness for good cheese and wine, although he’s been won over to Butcombe Gold. He loves a pub in a rural setting, with good (but not fancy) food, friendly hosts and an open fire.
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