Cartmel Cheeses: A Guide to the Best Cheeses from the Lake District

Cartmel Cheeses is an artisan cheese shop located in the small village of Cartmel, just outside of the Lake District National Park. The shop sells primarily British and Irish farmhouse cheeses, freshly baked bread and pies, chutneys and jams, biscuits and cakes. They celebrate raw milk and small-batch production and aim to guide visitors along their cheese journey.

Their team of cheese experts sources their cheese selection, which is tested for quality assurance. Their chosen artisan producers offer a range for every palate. Cartmel Cheeses also offers a Cheese Club, a perfect gift for the cheese lover. Their Cheese Club is a great way to experience their fabulous cheeses at a monthly price chosen by the customer.

Cartmel Cheeses sells their products both in-store and online, with mail orders shipped Monday to Thursday for next-day delivery. They can also deliver on a Saturday, but it does incur a surcharge. With a focus on quality and passion for cheese, Cartmel Cheeses is a must-visit for any cheese enthusiast visiting the Lake District.

History

Founding

Cartmel Cheeses was founded in the small village of Cartmel, located just outside of the Lake District, in 2001. The artisan cheese shop was established by Karen and Paul Ainsworth, who had a passion for cheese and a desire to showcase the best British and Irish farmhouse cheeses.

Karen and Paul’s love for cheese began when they worked in the catering industry and noticed a lack of high-quality cheeses. They decided to start their cheese shop to fill this gap in the market. They began selling cheese from a small counter in the village shop, but soon their reputation grew, and they opened their shop.

Expansion

As Cartmel Cheeses became more popular, Karen and Paul expanded their business. They began to sell a broader range of products, including freshly baked bread and pies, chutneys and jams, biscuits and cakes. They also started to celebrate raw milk and small batch production and continue guiding their customers along their cheese journey.

In 2017, Cartmel Cheeses opened a second shop in the village of Hawkshead, which allowed them to reach a wider audience. The new shop offers the same high-quality cheeses and other products as the original shop in Cartmel.

Today, Cartmel Cheeses is a well-known cheese shop selling a range of fantastic British cheeses and other products. The shop has won many awards and is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Lake District.

Products

Cartmel Cheeses offers a wide range of artisanal cheeses and cakes. Customers can choose from various high-quality cheeses, including British and Irish farmhouse cheeses, freshly baked bread, pies, chutneys, jams, biscuits, and cakes.

Cheeses

Cartmel Cheeses sources its cheeses from artisanal producers who use traditional methods to create unique and delicious products. The shop offers a variety of cheeses to suit every taste, from mild and creamy to tangy and sharp. Some of the most popular cheeses at Cartmel Cheeses include:

• St James: A semi-soft, washed-rind cheese with a distinctive orange rind and a nutty, buttery flavour.
• Kirkham’s Lancashire: A crumbly, tangy cheese with a creamy texture and a buttery flavour.
• Keen’s Cheddar: A mature, tangy cheddar with a rich, complex flavour and a crumbly texture.
• Innes Log: A soft, creamy goat’s cheese with a delicate flavour and a velvety texture.

Customers can purchase cheeses by weight, and the knowledgeable staff at Cartmel Cheeses are always happy to offer advice and recommendations.

Cakes

In addition to its selection of cheeses, Cartmel Cheeses also offers a range of delicious cakes and other baked goods. Customers can choose from a variety of sweet treats, including:

• Sticky toffee pudding: A rich, moist cake made with dates and smothered in a sweet toffee sauce.
• Lemon drizzle cake: A light, fluffy sponge cake infused with lemon and topped with a tangy lemon icing.
• Chocolate brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies made with high-quality chocolate and walnuts.

All of Cartmel Cheeses’ cakes are made fresh daily using the finest ingredients. Customers can enjoy them in the shop with a cup of tea or coffee, or take them home to enjoy later.

Delivery

Cartmel Cheese offers delivery services to customers within the UK. Customers can place their orders online and have them delivered to their doorstep.

Checkout

At checkout, customers can choose their preferred delivery date. Orders are shipped Monday to Thursday for next day delivery. Customers can also choose to have their orders delivered on a Saturday, but this incurs a surcharge.

Next Day Delivery

Orders placed before 2 pm on Monday to Thursday will be delivered the next day. Orders placed after 2 pm will be delivered within 48 hours. Orders placed on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday will be delivered on the following Tuesday.

Delivery hours are from 8 am to 6 pm, and customers can track their orders through the delivery process.

Cartmel Cheese takes pride in ensuring that all orders are delivered in perfect condition. The cheese is carefully packed to ensure that it arrives at the customer’s doorstep in the same condition it left the shop.

In summary, Cartmel Cheese offers next day delivery to customers within the UK. Customers can choose their preferred delivery date at checkout, and orders placed before 2 pm on Monday to Thursday will be delivered the next day. The company takes pride in ensuring that all orders are delivered in perfect condition.

Awards

Cartmel Cheeses has received numerous awards and recognition for their exquisite cheeses. In 2017, they won the Best Cheese Counter Award at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards. This award recognizes the best cheese counter in the UK, based on product knowledge, customer service, and quality of produce.

In 2019, Cartmel Cheeses was awarded the Best Independent Cheese Retailer Award at the International Cheese Awards. This award is given to the best independent cheese retailer in the world, based on the quality and range of cheeses, customer service, and overall experience.

Additionally, their cheeses have won several awards at the International Cheese Awards, including gold, silver, and bronze medals for their various cheeses. In 2021, their St James cheese won the gold medal in the goat’s cheese category.

Cartmel Cheeses is also a member of the Slow Food movement, which promotes sustainable and locally sourced food. This membership reflects their commitment to quality and ethical production.

Overall, Cartmel Cheeses’ awards and recognition demonstrate their dedication to producing high-quality, artisanal cheeses and providing exceptional customer service.

Conclusion

Cartmel Cheeses is a specialist cheese shop located in the small village of Cartmel, just outside of the Lake District. The shop offers a range of fantastic British cheeses, fresh breads, pies, chutneys, jams, biscuits, and cakes. They celebrate raw milk and small batch production and will do their very best to guide their visitors along their cheese journey. Their cheeses are generally from farms and cheesemakers in the UK, but they also offer some Irish Farmhouse cheeses.

Cartmel Cheeses has received excellent reviews from customers, with many praising the quality of the cheese and the knowledge and helpfulness of the staff. The shop has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, with many customers saying it is a must-visit destination for cheese lovers.

In addition to their physical shop, Cartmel Cheeses also offers delivery, making it possible for cheese lovers to enjoy their products no matter where they are located. The shop’s Facebook page is also a great resource for cheese lovers, with regular updates on new products and promotions.

Overall, Cartmel Cheeses is a fantastic destination for cheese lovers, offering a range of high-quality British cheeses, as well as other delicious accompaniments. The shop’s commitment to raw milk and small batch production, as well as their knowledgeable and helpful staff, make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in cheese.