Somerset cheese named best in England

A Somerset goat's cheese could be about to experience a surge in sales after being named the best cheese in England.

White Lake Cheese based in Shepton Mallet picked up the Best English Cheese trophy following the British Cheese Awards 2024, for its "Tor" goat's cheese.

Judging was held at the Bath and West Showground last Friday (22 March), with over 600 cheeses entered from across the UK and Ireland.

Members of the public were then able to try the cheeses themselves as part of the Bath and West Food & Drink Festival.

Tor is described as a pyramid-shaped fresh lactic goat's cheese, which is lightly coated in ash.

Roger Longman, owner of White Lake Cheese said: "We are delighted with this award, which endorses the feeling of our entire team here at White Lake - that we produce a superb lactic goat’s cheese, with its combination of citrus flavours, a typical goat’s cheese tang and subtle peppery undertone from the light coating of ash."

The cheese is named Tor after the famous Glastonbury Tor, which is visible from Bagborough Farm, where White Lake Cheese is made.

"Cheese making is a team effort, and it’s amazing to have the skills of our cheesemakers, dedicated affineurs, expert wrappers and dispatchers at Bagborough Farm recognised," Roger said.

"This award confirms that Tor is a standout cheese for any cheeseboard, both at home and in restaurants.”

Organised by The Royal Bath & West Society, the British Cheese Awards featured a 63-strong judging panel made up of cheesemakers, cheesemongers, cheese experts, buyers and commentators assessing entries in their individual classes during the morning session, awarding Bronze, Silver and Gold accolades.

During the second round, all Gold award winners from each category were judged alongside one another to identify the category winners, before all category winners were judged in the final round to find this year’s Supreme Champion and Reserve Champion.

"Snowdrop" by Cote Hill in Lincolnshire picked up the Supreme Champion Trophy, while "Cashel Blue" from Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers was named Reserve Champion as well as Best Irish Cheese.

Best Scottish Cheese went to Minger from Highland Fine Cheeses and Best Welsh Cheese was awarded to Gafr Las from Bryngaer Goats.

The awards were hosted by the Bath and West Food & Drink Festival for the first time this year.

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• bath and west showground