Croome Cheese: The Story Behind Worcestershire's Favourite Artisan Cheddar

Date:
March 10, 2026
Category:
News

Croome Cheese: Award-Winning Artisan Cheddar from Worcestershire

Welcome to Croome Cheese, a family-run business that is redefining what it means to produce exceptional cheddar.

If you’ve ever savoured the distinct flavour of a premium, hand-crafted cheese, you’ll understand why Croome Cheese has earned its place as one of Worcestershire’s favourite artisan cheesemakers. Offering a unique blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and cheeses designed to reflect the iconic flavours of the region. 

The Journey of Croome Cheese

Founded by the talented cheesemaker Nick Hodgetts in 2010, Croome Cheese has quickly become renowned for its award-winning range of cheeses, which showcase the rich flavours of Worcestershire and the surrounding regions. With over 40 years of experience in cheese-making, Nick’s passion for creating the finest artisanal cheeses is evident in every batch that leaves the Croome Cheese dairy.

The goal from the very beginning was simple: to produce high-quality cheddar and speciality cheeses that reflect the flavours and traditions of the local area. By focusing on the use of locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods, Croome Cheese has become a top name for artisanal cheese-making in Worcestershire.

A Range of Artisan Cheeses Inspired by Worcestershire

We are best known for our vintage and flavoured English cheddars, each with its own distinctive character and a nod to the local heritage. Some of our speciality cheese offerings include:

  • Worcestershire Gold: A full-flavoured vintage cheddar that’s been a firm favourite among cheese connoisseurs.
  • Scrumpy & Crunchy Apple: A refreshing twist on traditional cheddar, combining the natural sweetness of apples with the sharpness of finely crafted cheese.
  • Worcester Sauce & Shallots: A bold, savoury cheddar infused with the iconic flavours of Worcestershire sauce and the sweetness of shallots.
  • Whittington Oak (Smoked Cheddar): Smoked over oak logs in-house, this cheddar offers a deep, smoky flavour perfect for those seeking something a little more unique.
  • Worcestershire Honey & Fig: A deliciously sweet yet tangy creation that pairs the local honey with figs for a cheese experience like no other.

Traditional Methods with a Modern Touch

What sets Croome Cheese apart is its dedication to using traditional cheese-making methods, carefully honed over years of expertise. The cheeses are hand-crafted with great attention to detail, and they are smoked in-house over oak logs, giving them that unmistakable depth of flavour that many artisan cheeses are known for.

Awards and Recognition: The Taste of Excellence

Our cheesemakers' dedication to quality really speaks for itself, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Over the years, we’ve picked up plenty of awards, including several wins at the Royal Three Counties Cheese & Dairy competition. One of our proudest moments came when their Hereford Hop cheese was crowned Supreme Champion, while Worcestershire Gold took home Reserve Supreme Champion.

At the Nantwich International Cheese Awards, the Worcester Sauce & Shallots cheddar bagged first prize, further cementing a reputation as one of the best artisan cheese producers in the West Midlands. 

Buy Cheese Online, or You’ll Find Us In Farm Shops, Delis & More 

Croome Cheese has firmly established itself as a leader in the world of artisan cheese. You can buy our speciality cheese online, or you can find us in various farm shops, delis and independent shops across Worcestershire and beyond. Shop our Croome Cheese online or contact us for more information about us or any specific artisan cheeses. 

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