The Cheesemonger’s Notes
A creamy, waxed goat’s milk cheese with gentle character and true Norfolk heritage
Norfolk Mardler is a semi-hard, waxed goat’s milk cheese made in Norfolk by The Goat Shed. It has a firm yet creamy texture and a mild, rounded flavour, with gentle savoury notes and a subtle goat’s milk character that becomes smoother and more balanced with age.
Produced in Norfolk by The Goat Shed →
Norfolk Mardler is a waxed, matured goat’s milk cheese made in Norfolk by Sam Steggles, now under The Goat Shed name, continuing the cheesemaking tradition established at Fielding Cottage in Honingham, near Norwich. First produced in 2009, this cheese reflects years of refinement and expertise, using milk from a carefully managed herd of goats including Saanen, Alpine, and Toggenburg breeds.
The cheese is matured for around eight weeks, allowing it to develop its distinctive texture and flavour. Protected by its yellow waxed rind, the interior remains chalk-white and firm yet slightly open in structure, offering a satisfying balance between density and creaminess. This careful maturation creates a cheese that slices cleanly while still delivering a rich and smooth mouthfeel.
The flavour is beautifully balanced. It opens with gentle creaminess and a subtle sweetness, followed by savoury depth and a delicate goat’s milk character. Unlike fresher goat’s cheeses, Norfolk Mardler is more rounded and mellow, with the maturation process softening sharper notes and creating a more refined, approachable profile. The result is a cheese that delivers flavour without overpowering, making it incredibly versatile and widely appealing.
Its name comes from the Norfolk dialect word “mardle,” meaning to gossip or chat—a fitting description for a cheese made to be shared and enjoyed in good company.
Norfolk Mardler also performs exceptionally well when melted. Its creamy texture makes it ideal for cooking, particularly in dishes such as goat’s cheese and spinach tart, where it brings richness and depth without overwhelming other flavours.
Cut to order at The Norfolk Deli, each piece is prepared fresh to ensure it reaches you in peak condition.
Perfect Pairings
• Caramelised onion chutney or beetroot chutney
• Crusty sourdough or oatcakes
• Crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc
• Norfolk cider or light ales
Ideal Uses
• A distinctive addition to a Norfolk cheeseboard
• Excellent melted into tarts, quiches, and savoury dishes
• Perfect for goat’s cheese and spinach tart
• Sliced into salads or sandwiches
Why We Stock It
Norfolk Mardler represents the evolution of Norfolk goat’s milk cheesemaking, combining traditional methods with modern refinement. Its balance, versatility, and gentle character make it a favourite both for cheeseboards and cooking.
It is cheeses like Norfolk Mardler that demonstrate the depth and diversity of Norfolk’s artisan cheese scene.
Discover more about The Goat Shed read about them in our Norfolk & Suffolk Cheese Guide
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