Celebrating Women in Cheese: Our International Women’s Day Cheeseboard

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the inspiring women who have shaped the world of British artisan cheese. From reviving traditional methods to pioneering new styles, these women have brought passion, innovation, and excellence to cheesemaking.

At Delilah, we’ve put together a special Women in Cheese cheeseboard, featuring four exceptional cheeses crafted by leading female cheesemakers. This board will be available all week—so come and discover the stories, skill, and sensational flavours behind these cheeses.

The Cheeses & Their Makers

🧀 Waterloo – Anne Wigmore, Village Maid Cheese (Berkshire)

Anne Wigmore is one of Britain’s most respected cheesemakers. After starting her career as a microbiologist in the dairy industry, she set up Village Maid Cheese in 1986 to focus on raw milk and traditional techniques. Waterloo is a beautiful washed-rind, semi-soft cheese made with rich Guernsey cow’s milk. Its buttery, creamy texture and delicate earthiness make it a standout choice for lovers of Brie-style cheeses.

🧀 Cornish Yarg – Catherine Mead, Lynher Dairies (Cornwall)

Catherine Mead has been at the forefront of artisan cheesemaking for over 25 years. As the owner of Lynher Dairies, she has championed traditional British cheeses while also focusing on sustainability and innovation. Cornish Yarg, inspired by a centuries-old recipe, is instantly recognizable with its nettle-wrapped rind. The nettles create a stunning appearance while adding a subtle mushroomy depth to this fresh, lemony cheese.

🧀 Quicke’s Cheddar – Mary Quicke, Quicke’s (Devon)

A true custodian of British cheese heritage, Mary Quicke is the 14th generation of her family to run Quicke’s Farm. She has spent her career perfecting clothbound Cheddar, aging it in their special cellars for up to two years. The result? A complex, nutty, and deeply savoury cheese with a perfect balance of tang and creaminess. Mary has also been a vocal advocate for regenerative farming and sustainable agriculture, ensuring that Quicke’s continues to thrive for generations to come.

🧀 Harrogate Blue – Judy Bell, Shepherds Purse (Yorkshire)

Judy Bell founded Shepherds Purse in the 1980s with a vision to create outstanding British cheeses from alternative milk sources. Harrogate Blue is a creamy, mellow blue cheese made with cow’s milk, offering a luxurious texture and perfectly balanced blue veining. This multi-award-winning cheese has a smooth, buttery finish with a hint of peppery spice—proof of Judy’s talent for crafting approachable yet complex blue cheeses. Now led by Judy’s daughters, Shepherds Purse continues to push boundaries in British cheesemaking.

Join Us in Celebrating Women in Cheese

These women have not only created outstanding cheeses but have also paved the way for future generations in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. Their commitment to quality, tradition, and sustainability is something to be celebrated.

This special cheeseboard will be available all week at Delilah, so whether you're a cheese connoisseur or just looking to try something new, pop in and taste the incredible craftsmanship behind these cheeses.

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