Record number of cheese lovers and cheese makers enjoy Artisan Cheese Fair weekend in Melton

Supreme Champion David Jowett of King Stone Dairy with his rosettes and champion Rollright washed rind cow's milk cheese. EMN-160305-174727001

Over 10,000 people in total flocked to this year’s cheese fair which featured a record 62 cheese makers, from all corners of the British Isles, and over 100 stands.

This year’s event also included the first-ever Artisan Cheese Awards, with a panel of experienced judges from some of the big names in the cheese world, including Neal’s Yard, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and others, judging the winning entry.

Newly established Oxfordshire-based King Stone Dairy won the Supreme Champion trophy with its Rollright rind washed cow’s milk cheese which also won first prize in the ‘new cheese’ class.

Jack Skailes (7) with a Cropwell Bishop Stilton cheese EMN-160305-174428001

The dairy triumphed from the 338 entries received from 85 producers across Britain and Ireland, winning a trophy and cheque for £1,000.

Artisan Cheese Awards organiser Matthew O’Callaghan said: “Judges were astounded by the quality and breadth of entrants for these first year awards and the strength of British cheeses was highlighted by winning entries from across the UK and Ireland.”