The cheeses that I love: Sarah Bowman

Sarah Bowman is the buyer at Curd & Cure, a speciality fine food wholesaler in the Southeast of England, specialising in British cheese and charcuterie. Here she shares the cheeses she’d put on her dream board.

1. Truffled Baron Bigod, Fen Farm Dairy

If there’s one cheese that embodies luxury and indulgence for me, it’s truffled Baron Bigod. This British take on the classic Brie is already a masterpiece with its creamy, oozy centre and delicate, bloomy rind. But when you add a subtle infusion of truffle, it elevates the experience to a whole new level of decadence. Alongside a glass of Champagne, it’s my go-to for moments when I want to indulge in something extraordinary, or when I’m trying to impress guests.

2. Parmesan

A staple cheese in any fridge. An ingredient that adds depth to almost any dish. There’s something deeply satisfying about breaking off a piece from a wedge of this hard, golden cheese and letting it melt in your mouth, releasing layers of complex flavours. I personally prefer a 24-month age, with some prosciutto or fresh figs. Bliss!

3. Sparkenhoe Red Leicester, Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Co

When it comes to traditional British cheeses, Sparkenhoe Red Leicester holds a special place in my heart. Whether I’m crumbling it into a salad, melting it into a toastie, or just savouring a slice on its own, Sparkenhoe always delivers. It’s a cheese that stands out, not just for its colour, but for its rich history and dedication to quality.

4. Comte

A cheese that’s both complex and endlessly versatile, Comté is a go-to. It has a range of flavours that make each bite a journey - nutty, slightly sweet, with hints of caramel and a savoury depth that reveals itself more the longer it ages. Whether I’m making a grilled cheese sandwich or assembling a more refined cheeseboard, it always impresses.

5. Vacherin Mont D’Or

This seasonal, soft cheese is a true winter delight, known for its creamy, almost spreadable texture and luxurious, rich flavour. I love to serve it as a centrepiece for dipping crusty bread, boiled potatoes, or roasted vegetables, transforming a simple meal into a cosy, decadent experience. Its limited availability makes it all the more special. Something to look forward to as the temperature drops.

6. Beauvale, Cropwell Bishop Creamery

When it comes to blue cheese, Beauvale is always a winner. It’s one of those cheeses that manages to strike the perfect balance between rich, creamy indulgence and the bold, tangy flavour that defines a great blue.

7. Shilling, White Lake Cheese

Shilling is a newer addition to the White Lake family, and it doesn’t disappoint. This semi-soft cheese is a creamy, tangy gem that perfectly balances richness with a light, fresh acidity typical of goats’ cheese. Inspired by the French Crottin, it has a delicate, velvety texture, and pairs beautifully with both sweet and savoury accompaniments, making it a versatile addition to any cheeseboard.

8. Mature Teifi, Caws Teifi

I am a big fan of this award-winning Welsh cheese. It has a firm texture that crumbles as you slice it, while its deep, mature flavour packs a punch. The sharpness that comes with age, balanced with a subtle nuttiness, creates a complex profile that’s satisfying without being overpowering. It is one of those cheeses that feels like a hidden gem - full of history, full of flavour, and always leaving me wanting just one more slice.

9. Cornish Yarg, Lynher Dairies

This is a cheese that never fails to intrigue and delight me. It’s known for its unique appearance, wrapped in nettles, which impart a subtle, herbal aroma and flavour to the cheese. Cornish Yarg is a celebration of local ingredients and craftsmanship, and is the perfect cheese when I want something that’s light, refreshing, and just a little bit different from the usual.

10. Gorwydd Caerphilly, Trethowan Brothers

Gorwydd Caerphilly represents the best of British cheesemaking, paying homage to its roots as a territorial cheese, while offering a more refined, artisan experience. This is an exceptional cheese. A smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth, balanced by a bright, lemony tang that cuts through the richness. For me, Gorwydd Caerphilly is a reminder that great cheese is worth seeking out. The mass-produced versions may have tarnished its reputation, but when you experience the real thing, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this quintessential British cheese.