Bournes Cheese: The Last Traditional Cheshire Maker (In Cheshire)
The True Story of Cheshire Cheese: Why Bournes Cheese is the Last of its Kind (in Cheshire)
For generations, the name "Cheshire Cheese" has conjured images of rolling green pastures and timeless craft. Yet, a persistent piece of misinformation has clouded the narrative, often stating that no traditional Cheshire cheese is still made within its namesake county. Today, we’re setting the record straight.
Bournes Cheese isn't just a producer of authentic Cheshire; we are the only remaining traditional Cheshire cheesemaker located within the historic county of Cheshire itself. While other excellent cheesemakers exist in neighbouring regions, The Bank Farm in Malpas has been the continuous home of Bourne family cheesemaking since 1930, with a family heritage tracing back to 1750.
When you search for "Cheshire Cheese," you might encounter names like Appleby's, located in Shropshire. While they make a fantastic raw milk cheese, it's crucial to understand that Bournes Cheese carries the torch for cheesemaking inside Cheshire’s borders. This isn't just a geographical technicality; it’s a commitment to the land, the local milk and the specific terroir that defines a true Cheshire.
A Legacy Spanning Centuries, Not Just Decades
The Bourne family’s connection to cheesemaking began in 1750. Our ancestors crafted cheese long before "food miles" were a concern, using milk from their own salt-marsh-fed cows. This unbroken lineage is what makes Bournes Cheese unique. Every wheel of Mrs Bourne’s Mature, every rare Blue Cheshire and every revived 1845 Heritage recipe carries hundreds of years of knowledge.
From our appearance on Channel 5’s Britain’s Most Scenic Counties, showcasing our 1845 Heritage recipe, to the daily dedication in our dairy, we are passionate about keeping this tradition alive and thriving right here in Malpas, Cheshire.
The Future of Traditional Cheshire is Here
In a world of mass production, Bournes Cheese stands as a beacon of artisanal integrity. We are not just making cheese; we are preserving a piece of British agricultural history and ensuring that the authentic taste of Cheshire Cheese continues to be born and aged in its rightful home.
Next in our series, we'll introduce you to the dynamic duo behind the resurgence of Bournes Cheese: Hugo and Charlotte, who are blending deep-rooted tradition with ambitious plans for the future.
