• British Cheese Awards 2025 Cheeseboard - Norfolk Deli
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Puxton Court Farm

Pitchfork Cheddar

Pitchfork Cheddar

£9.75 GBP
£9.75 GBP
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Key Facts

Region: Puxton Court Farm, Somerset, England

Milk: Cow’s milk (single herd)

Type: Hard, clothbound Cheddar

Texture: Firm, dense, slightly crumbly

Pasteurisation: Raw Milk (Unpasteurised)

Strength

● ● ● ● ● Bold & Punchy

Size
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The Cheesemonger’s Notes

An award-winning traditional Somerset Cheddar made with raw milk and clothbound for exceptional depth and character

Pitchfork Cheddar is a handcrafted traditional Cheddar made by the Trethowan Brothers at their dairy on Puxton Court Farm in Somerset, just five miles from the historic town of Cheddar itself. Made using raw milk from a single local herd and following time-honoured methods, Pitchfork represents one of the finest modern expressions of authentic Somerset Cheddar.

The Trethowan family began making Pitchfork Cheddar in 2017, building on their deep experience crafting traditional British cheeses. Their commitment to using unpasteurised milk, heritage starter cultures, and traditional techniques ensures each cheese reflects the character of the milk, pasture, and season.

Each cheese is made by hand using only raw milk, rennet, salt, and natural starter cultures. During cheesemaking, the curds are milled and salted by hand using traditional pitchforks—giving the cheese its distinctive name and ensuring even salt distribution throughout the curd. The cheeses are then clothbound and matured for between 12 and 14 months, allowing them to develop their full flavour and structure.

The texture is firm and slightly crumbly, breaking cleanly while delivering a smooth, melting mouthfeel. The flavour is rich, deep, and beautifully balanced. Savoury and nutty notes form the foundation, followed by subtle sweetness and gentle grassy complexity reflecting the pasture-fed milk. The finish is long and satisfying, with a depth that continues to evolve on the palate.

Pitchfork Cheddar has received widespread recognition, including Artisan Somerset Cheddar Presidia status from the Slow Food Foundation—an honour awarded to only a small number of traditional producers preserving historic cheesemaking methods. It has also won multiple Gold and Super Gold medals at the World Cheese Awards, confirming its status among the finest Cheddars in the world.

Made with exceptional care and matured using traditional methods, Pitchfork Cheddar represents the enduring strength and heritage of British farmhouse cheesemaking.

Cut to order at The Norfolk Deli, every piece is prepared fresh to ensure optimal flavour and condition.

Perfect Pairings

• Traditional pickle or apple chutney
• Crusty sourdough or oatcakes
• Farmhouse cider or traditional ales
• Full-bodied red wines

Ideal Uses

• A centrepiece for cheeseboards
• Perfect for ploughman’s lunches
• Excellent grated into savoury dishes
• Enjoyed simply to appreciate its full flavour

Why We Stock It

Pitchfork Cheddar represents the revival and preservation of traditional Somerset Cheddar making. Its use of raw milk, heritage methods, and careful maturation creates a cheese of exceptional depth, authenticity, and character.


  • Cut Fresh, Just for You

    Every cheese is hand-cut at our counter on the day your order is prepared. Because we cut by hand, weights are as accurate as possible but remain approximate — think artisan precision, not factory uniformity

  • Trusted Cheesemonger

    For over 12 years, The Norfolk Deli has been immersed in cheese, recognised nationally as one of the country’s inspirational independent cheesemongers. Every cheese is selected and cut with care

  • Serving Guide

    As part of a cheeseboard, 250g typically serves 2–4 people. For gatherings of 4–6, a selection of three to five cheeses creates a more generous and varied board

The Norfolk Deli

Answering your everyday cheese questions

How long will this cheese last?

All cheeses are cut fresh at the counter and dispatched in insulated packaging.

For the best flavour, we recommend enjoying within 5–7 days of delivery. Hard cheeses may last longer if stored correctly.

How should I store this cheese?

Keep refrigerated in its original wrapping or waxed paper. Avoid airtight plastic containers. Always bring to room temperature 30–45 minutes before serving for the best flavour and texture.

Is this cheese suitable for freezing?

We don’t recommend freezing soft or blue cheeses as it can affect texture. Hard cheeses may be frozen for cooking purposes, but flavour is best when enjoyed fresh.

What if my cheese has mould on it?

Mould is a natural part of many artisan cheeses.

If the cheese is meant to have a white rind, blue veining or natural mould, this is completely normal and part of its character.

If you notice surface mould on a hard cheese, it can usually be trimmed away safely — simply cut at least 1cm around and beneath the mould.

If mould appears on a soft cheese that is not intended to have mould, or if you are unsure, please contact us and we will advise.

We only dispatch cheeses in excellent condition, selected at peak maturity.

Is this cheese safe during pregnancy?

Pasteurised cheeses are generally considered safe. If a cheese is unpasteurised, this will be clearly stated in the Key Facts section. If unsure, please consult current NHS guidance

Can I request a specific size?

Weights are approximate to ensure fairness and quality. If you require a specific size for an event, please contact us before ordering.

Can this cheese be included in a hamper or cheeseboard selection?

Yes. Many of our cheeses are available in curated cheeseboards, gift hampers or our Cheesemonger’s Selection.