A Beginner’s Guide to Artisanal Cheeses and How to Enjoy Them

Upgrade Your Home Grazing Table with Artisanal Cheese

Artisanal cheese is one of life’s great pleasures. Whether you are new to cheese or simply looking to enjoy it more fully, the world of artisan cheese is rich in variety, flavour and texture. At 2 Pound Street, we celebrate small-scale producers and bring the best British cheeses to your table, making every cheese board a discovery.

In this guide, we explain what makes artisan cheese special, how to taste it properly and how to enjoy it at home.

What Makes Cheese Artisanal?

Artisanal cheese is crafted in small batches using traditional methods that highlight the quality of the milk, the skill of the cheesemaker and the region where it was made. Unlike mass-produced cheeses, artisan cheeses develop deeper flavours, more complex textures and a character that changes with the seasons.

At 2 Pound Street, we carefully select our range to showcase the diversity of British cheese. You can explore our full collection of artisan cheeses here.

Types of Artisan Cheese to Try

Soft and Creamy Cheeses

Soft cheeses are an excellent starting point for beginners. They are rich, smooth and often have gentle mushroom or buttery notes.

One of our favourites is Baron Bigod, a beautifully made Brie-style cheese that offers a silky texture and balanced flavour.

Blue Cheeses

Blue cheeses are known for their bold flavour and creamy yet crumbly texture. They are made using special cultures that create the blue veins running through the cheese.

We recommend starting with Cropwell Bishop Organic Stilton, which offers a rounded, savoury flavour without being overpowering.

If you would like to sample a wider variety, our Hidden Gems Box of Cheese includes a handpicked selection of artisan cheeses ideal for tasting and sharing.

Hard and Crumbly Cheeses

Hard cheeses deliver rich, concentrated flavours and are perfect for slicing or breaking into chunks for a cheese board.

Keen’s Mature Cheddar is a popular choice, offering a full-bodied, savoury taste that pairs beautifully with crackers and chutney.

For something a little different, Rachel is a goat’s milk cheese with a clean, tangy profile and a firm yet creamy texture.

How to Taste Artisanal Cheese

The Academy of Cheese sets the standard for how cheese is assessed, described and enjoyed in the UK. To enjoy artisan cheese at its best, we recommend taking a few simple steps.

Allow the cheese to reach room temperature before serving. This brings out the aroma and flavour that would otherwise remain hidden.

Look at the cheese before tasting. The rind, colour and texture give you clues about how it will taste.

Smell the cheese gently. Many flavours are experienced through aroma, so take a moment to appreciate it before tasting.

Take small bites and let the cheese melt on your tongue. Notice how the flavour develops from the first taste to the finish.

Serving and Pairing Tips

A good cheeseboard is about balance. We suggest combining different textures and flavours to create contrast and interest.

Serve your cheeses with a selection of plain or lightly seasoned crackers to provide crunch without overpowering the cheese. You can find complementary accompaniments in our delicatessen range.

Fresh fruits such as apples, pears and grapes add natural sweetness that balances rich cheeses. Chutneys and preserves also work beautifully alongside mature and blue cheeses.

Wine can elevate the experience further. Light white wines suit soft cheeses, while richer reds or dessert wines pair well with mature and blue varieties.

Cheese Boards for Different Occasions

For a casual afternoon, we suggest combining a soft cheese like Baron Bigod with a mature cheddar and some crisp crackers.

For entertaining, the Hidden Gems Box of Cheese offers a ready-made selection that allows guests to sample a variety of flavours.

For a more refined end to a meal, pair a blue cheese such as Cropwell Bishop Organic Stilton with a hard cheese like Keen’s Mature Cheddar and serve with fruit and a dessert wine.

Visit 2 Pound Street or Shop Online

Artisanal cheese is about quality, craftsmanship and enjoyment. By learning how to choose, taste and pair your cheeses, you can turn any meal or gathering into something special.

At 2 Pound Street, we take pride in sourcing exceptional British cheeses that reflect the skill of their makers. Explore our artisan cheese collection and start building your perfect cheese board today at 2 Pound Street.