If you’re reading this in the Northern Hemisphere, you will have noticed the first buds of Spring emerging and the early lambs gamboling out onto the pastures. I love this time of year, when the sun begins to release some warmth, marking the start of the growing season. It’s a time for looking forward and making plans for our own growth and improvement. And what better way to strive for improvement than with awards to acknowledge the hard work of the cheesemakers and the quality of their cheeses. And whilst we recognise that not everyone gets to experience the buzz of the awards, Spring is the ideal time to get out to markets and taste the season’s new cheeses. So here’s our pick of events this March. And don’t forget to check out our courses and events pages for more cheese-related self-improvement taking place over the coming months.
1. I Stand By Kirkham’s: A Celebration of Raw Milk Cheese
Help us support Graham Kirkham and his family’s epochal Lancashire Cheese – the last raw milk Lancashire cheese in production today – with this exclusive tasting event. Andy Swinscoe, from The Courtyard Dairy, will be joined by Graham to lead you through a tasting of his famous “Creamy” and “Tasty” Lancashire cheese varieties.
2. British Cheese Awards
The British Cheese Awards will be front and centre of the three-day Bath & West Food & Drink Festival, taking place in the Showground’s main hall with visitors being able to view and taste some of the award-winning cheeses!
3. California’s 18th Annual Artisan Cheese Festival
A celebration brought together by a lively and friendly group of experts and presenters from the wonderful world of artisan cheese. The festival promotes broad awareness of the artisan cheesemaking community and enjoyment of its products. Get your ticket and grab a friend for three days of artisan cheese bliss! This weekend is filled with tastings, tours, and marketplace fun!
4. Chiswick Cheese Market
Get yourself along to London’s only monthly market dedicated to cheese. With over 200 cheeses to be discovered, plus bread, crackers, charcuterie, kitchenalia, antipasti, pasta, chutney, hot cheese toasties and much more.
5. The Cheeseboard’s “An Evening of Cheese with Patrick McGuigan
Inspired by Patrick’s book, The Cheese Life, co-authored with restaurateur Mathew Carver, Lucy the Cheesemonger and Patrick will be tasting through five cheeses, three accompanying recipes from the book and three unique drinks pairings, this will be an evening to remember.
