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
Price range: £11.25 through £14.25
Within the black wax of a Lancashire Bomb lies a beautifully creamy, extra mature cheese. Simply cut the top off the black bomb, rather like a boiled egg, and the delicious Lancashire cheese can be spooned out at room temperature.
The Lancashire Bomb is a favourite of mine. It’s a classic English cheese with a twist. The Shorrock family crafts it in the quiet village of Goosnargh, near Preston. Cheesemaking has been a tradition at their farm since 1923.
The Shorrocks know cheese. In the 1930s, John Gaskel Shorrock, the current cheesemaker’s grandfather, won Supreme Champion at the Preston Open Cheese Competition, a major feat at a local event that brought together the area’s best dairies.
The Lancashire Bomb, as we know it, didn’t appear until the mid-1980s. Andrew Shorrock made one as a leaving present for a friend moving to America. That first wax-covered, cartoonish cheese was a hit. Word spread, and what began as a thoughtful gift soon became one of Lancashire’s most famous cheeses.
Since then, the Shorrocks have perfected their Bombs, adding flavours but sticking with family methods. Unlike many hard cheeses you might know (like standard cheddar), the Lancashire Bomb is matured for a full 24 months. This gives it a creamy, rich depth of flavour that betrays its relatively rustic appearance.
Each bomb is wrapped in black wax. This isn’t just to look striking. The wax protects the cheese as it matures and helps create that lovely soft texture under the rind. The result is rare: a cheese with the body and strength of a mature cheddar. At the same time, it has a lusciously creamy interior that almost begs to be scooped with a spoon at room temperature.
Today, the Shorrocks make bombs in flavours like red onion, cracked black pepper, whisky, hot chilli, and garlic herb. Each brings something new. However, we tend to stick to the plain ones in the shop.
When you first cut through the glossy black wax, you’ll notice a rich, buttery scent. That aroma hints at what’s to come. At room temperature, the paste becomes soft and silky, almost spreadable. Still, it holds substantial body.
Flavour-wise, it’s full-on, rich and strong. There’s a gentle sweetness and just enough acidity to keep things balanced. The mouthfeel is velvety and really satisfying. It’s the sort of cheese that hangs around on your palate in the best way. In short, the Lancashire Bomb is bolder than it looks but still creamy.
Jen’s note: The flavoured bombs just come in the smaller size. If you would like us to order one in for a special occasion just drop us a line and we will do our best to get it!
Sizes and Prices
Storage Advice
Delivery and Collection
Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)
MILK, salt, starter cultures, rennet
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.
