Judges label Lyburn cheese as ‘faultless’

4:26pm Thursday 7th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

CHEESE produced near Landford on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border has been named one of the most tasty British-made foods.

Lyburn Farmhouse Cheesemakers, who have picked up a succession of awards in recent years, were this week named among the very best producers in the Great Taste Awards 2008.

Their Old Winchester cheese was given three gold stars by judges.

Of 4,753 entries, a total of 1,124 products were given gold awards but only 72 received three gold stars and a spokesman for the awards said: "The coveted three gold stars is a mark that the judges considered them faultless."

Lyburn is run by Mike and Judy Smales at Lyburn Farm and they have been making cheeses there for the past seven years. They have won numerous accolades including two golds and three bronzes at the World Cheese Awards in the last five years.

Old Winchester was also named as the best modern British cheese in the British Cheese Awards winners was reserve champion at last year's Bath and West Show.

Because of the heavy demand for the cheese, increased output is now on the way following the completion of two new maturing rooms.

Lyburn were among 18 Hampshire Fare Producers who picked up gold awards with former motor racing ace Jody Schekter's Laverstoke Park gaining five of them, Jude's Ices of Winchester three, Pollen Organics of Bramshott, Anna and the Pieman of Alton and Beaulieu Chocolate Studio two each, Hyden Farm Organics of Clanfield, Cresson Creative of Alresford and Rosemary Vineyard of Ryde one each.

"The Great Taste Awards," said Hampshire Fare manager Tim Brock, "are a huge accolade for the winners and just shows that Hampshire food and drink is of exceptional standard and has great appeal."

Bob Farrand of the Guild of Fine Food, which organises the award scheme, said: "These awards have been running for 15 years and are a recognised mark of excellence that consumers can rely on.

"The winning products have been through a thorough judging process and we are able to assure consumers that the Great Taste Award logo, which all award winners can use, signifies genuine, proved, fine food."