Our Christmas orders are now closed. You can still buy our Cheese Subscriptions to start in January, as well as book our courses and tasting events. If you want to purchase vouchers you can do so until the 20th December but please note that it can take up to 48 hours for the vouchers to be emailed to you as we process these manually.

We have a full counter of cheese in our shop in Pangbourne so you can still come in and purchase items in store

A picture showing a wedge of Beauvale cheese, placed on a wooden table

Beauvale Cheese

Price range: £3.80 through £22.80

, ,

Beauvale is a soft, creamy blue cheese with plenty of pedigree. It has a rich flavour which lingers on the tongue

  • Cow’s milk, blue cheese
  • Nottinghamshire, England
  • Medium
  • Pasteurised milk
  • Vegetarian rennet
  • Available in wedges or order a whole wheel
Description

Description

Beauvale Cheese

About Beavuale

Beauvale is one of those British blue cheeses that really stands out, softer and creamier than a classic Stilton, but still full of character. It’s a lovely example of how English cheesemakers can try something new while keeping one foot firmly in tradition.

Beauvale is a fairly new face on the British cheese scene, dreamed up in the late 20th century at Cropwell Bishop Creamery in the village of Cropwell Bishop, Nottinghamshire.

Cropwell Bishop has a long history of cheesemaking, with the Skailes family running the show for generations. They’re especially known for their traditional Stilton Blue, which is a bit of a local legend in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire. Beauvale was created by Robin Skailes as a cheese that would marry the comforting creaminess of a mild Italian blue like Gorgonzola with the proper British blue character we know and love. And it worked, Beauvale is beautifully balanced, perfect for anyone who likes their blue cheese on the mellow, creamy side but still wants a bit of that blue intrigue.

 

From Blue Beginnings…

Beauvale is made at using pasteurised cow’s milk from local farms dotted around the Peak District and Nottinghamshire. Proper local milk, in other words.

It all starts with the usual cheesemaking steps; milk, starter cultures, rennet, and the all-important blue mould, Penicillium Roqueforti, which gives the cheese its lovely blue veins.

Unlike Stilton, which is left to mature for longer and ends up crumbly, Beauvale is hand-ladled into moulds and gently turned by hand as it ripens for about seven weeks. This is when it gets its thin, edible rind and that gorgeous creamy, almost spreadable texture. The result reflects both artisanal care and the creamery’s willingness to experiment: Beauvale is soft yet flavourful, with a gentle blue spice and a rich, luxurious mouthfeel that invites lingering bites.

 

Beauvale – Jen’s Tasting Notes

With its smooth, creamy texture, Beauvale reminds me a bit of Italian Gorgonzola Dolce, but with that British firmness that keeps it from running too much. The first thing you notice is a gentle, welcoming scent, a bit of dairy sweetness and a hint of earthiness, like a walk through the fields. Initially, its flavour is mild and luscious, with rich buttery undertones and a delicate blue tang. Beauvale’s blue character is gentle, layered with savoury warmth and a touch of spice that lingers rather than overwhelms. There’s a mellow, slightly nutty finish that balances out the creaminess and blue notes. It’s just right if you want blue cheese flavour without anything too fierce.

 

How to Serve and Pair Beauvale
  • Make sure you take it out of the fridge a good hour before you want to eat it so it can come up to room temperature.
  • Classic pairings: Sweet dessert wines like Sauternes, Tokaji, or a good Late Bottled Vintage Port are classic with Beauvale. The sweetness brings out the cheese’s richness and balances that gentle blue spice.
  • Something a little different: Try it with sloe gin, the fruitiness really brings out the cheese’s subtle spice.
  • On the plate: On a cheeseboard, Beauvale is right at home with crusty bread, fig chutney, toasted walnuts, or a bit of quince paste. Fresh pear or figs are great for bringing out Beauvale’s gentle sweetness, and a drizzle of honey is always a winner for that extra creamy richness.
  • In the kitchen: Beauvale is a treat stirred into pasta sauces, risottos, or melted over grilled meats – it makes even the simplest dish feel a bit special.

 

Jen’s note: Beauvale got its name from the Vale of Belvoir where it is made and the students at a local Montessori school even designed the logo when the cheese first launched. It’s a lovely reminder of how much community and creativity go into making something special in its home village.

 

Buying Rollright
  • Brand or Producer: Cropwell Bishop Creamery
  • Product name: Beauvale
  • Milk: Cow
  • Country: England
  • Region: Nottinghamshire
  • Strength: Medium
  • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Suitable for pregnancy: No
  • Allergens: MILK

 

Sizes and Prices

  • 100g wedge, £3.80
  • 500g wedge, £19.00
  • Whole cheese (approx. 6.5kg), available to pre-order

 

Storage Advice

  • Keep refrigerated
  • Wrap in waxed paper or cling film
  • Remove from the fridge before serving
  • Consume within 10 to 14 days of opening

 

Delivery and Collection

  • UK wide courier delivery
  • Click and collect from our Pangbourne shop
  • Free local delivery available for selected postcodes

 

Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)

MILK, salt, starter cultures, rennet, Penicillium Roqueforti

christmas cheese subscriptions holly

Christmas Opening Hours

Normal opening Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm until:

Sunday 22nd 9am – 4pm
Monday 23rd 9am – 4pm
Christmas Eve 9am – 12pm
Christmas Day Closed
Boxing Day Closed
Friday 27th Closed
Saturday 28th 9am – 4pm
Sunday 29th Closed
Monday 30th 9am – 2pm
Tuesday 31st 9am – 2pm
New Year’s Day Closed
Thursday 2nd January Closed
Friday 3rd 9am – 4pm then open as normal

After Christmas our courier delivery slots start from 8th January.