Artisan Cheese

Nottinghamshire is home to a variety of artisan cheeses which are made using age-old methods and high quality milk from farms in the local area.

Perhaps the most famous of all is Stilton, a deliciously tangy blue cheese and a favourite on many Christmas cheeseboards. The cheese was granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in 1996 which means that, like champagne and the Melton Mowberry pork pie, it can only be produced within a designated area, in this case, the Vale of Belvoir.

The award-winning Colston Bassett Dairy has been producing cheese for over 103 years and is renowned for its traditional Stilton and Shropshire Blue. Using milk from local farms, the cheeses are made using traditional recipes which have been passed down through the generations.

Fans of blue cheeses should also try Stichelton, an unpasturised cheese made on the Welbeck Estate. It was created in 2004 by cheesemaker Joe Schneider and cheesemonger Randolph Hodgson who wanted to revive traditional techniques. Stichelton is available from Welbeck Farm Shop and Delilah Fine Foods.

Cheese lovers should definitely seek out Big Melt - a local favourite pop up street food company. Packed full between two fresh artisan sourdough slices, you can expect your taste buds to be tantalised, with an exclusive blend of Raclette, Red Leicester and Vintage Mature Cheddar. It's the perfect combination of flavour and all important gooey melt! They are most likely to be found at food markets, culinary events, music festivals and beer festivals.

If you prefer something a little milder then Colwick Cheese is the perfect option. Revived by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and farmer Jimmy Doherty, is a soft, curd-like cheese which dates back to the 17th century.