Alsop & Walker is an award-winning artisan cheesemaker based in Five Ashes, East Sussex, United Kingdom. Renowned for its traditional methods and innovative creations, the company produces a wide variety of handcrafted cheeses using locally sourced milk, contributing to both regional agricultural sustainability and the UK's thriving artisan cheese movement.
Company Background
Founded in 2008 by Arthur Alsop, Alsop & Walker was established with a vision to combine heritage cheesemaking techniques with creative, modern approaches to flavour. From humble beginnings at a local market, the brand has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized producer, celebrated for its balance of texture, aroma, and depth of character in every product.
All production is carried out at their site in Five Ashes, where a small team manages every aspect of the cheesemaking process—from milk pasteurization to maturation and hand-wrapping.
Product and Service Offerings
Alsop & Walker offers an expansive collection of cheeses that reflect both English and continental European traditions, adapted with local flair. Their product lines include:
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Soft Cheeses:
- Lord London: Semi-soft, bloomy rind cheese with a citrusy tang and creamy texture. Winner of a Top 50 Great Taste Award (2015).
- Sussex Brie: Rich and buttery brie-style cheese with a white mould rind.
- Sussex Camembert: Classic Camembert profile with a UK twist.
- Truffled Brie: Brie infused with aromatic truffle for gourmet appeal.
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Hard Cheeses:
- Cheesemaker’s Special: Firm, mature cheese with nutty undertones.
- Mayfield: Sweet, nutty alpine-style cheese with a natural rind.
- Oak Smoked Mayfield: Cold-smoked version of Mayfield using English oak.
- Woodside Red: Washed rind cheese with rich, savoury flavours.
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Blue Cheese:
- Sussex Blue: Creamy and bold with delicate blue veining; aged for several weeks for intensity.
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Sheep Milk Cheese:
- Ewe Eat Me: Made from pasteurized sheep’s milk; mild, tangy, and creamy.
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Cheese Gift Sets and Selections:
- Just The Three, Just a Lord, 4 Cheese Selection, Just a Little Decadence – curated assortments for gifting and sampling.
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Condiments and Accessories:
- Cheese Companion: Chutneys and crackers developed to pair with specific cheese types.
All cheeses are made using vegetarian rennet and are hand-matured on-site under the supervision of master cheesemakers.
Specialisation and Core USP
Alsop & Walker distinguishes itself through a fusion of traditional British cheesemaking with European influence, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on local sourcing and sustainability. Their unique advantages include:
- Use of Local Milk: Sourced from free-grazing Sussex herds, ensuring full traceability and freshness.
- Innovation Meets Tradition: Blends heritage recipes with contemporary flavour twists.
- Manual Process: All cheeses are made and ripened by hand, not mass-produced.
- Award-Winning Quality: Recognized by Great Taste Awards, World Cheese Awards, and British Cheese Awards.
This commitment to quality and originality has earned them a loyal following among gourmet retailers, chefs, and cheese enthusiasts.
Financial and Operational Footprint
Though Alsop & Walker is a privately held artisan producer with limited public financial disclosure, notable operational highlights include:
- Produces over 30 tonnes of cheese annually, distributed across UK retailers and hospitality venues.
- Supplies farm shops, delis, Michelin-starred restaurants, and online gourmet platforms.
- Has won over 30 national and international awards including:
- Top 50 Foods in Great Taste Awards (2015) for Lord London.
- Best British Cheese – World Cheese Awards for Sussex Brie.
- Partnered with luxury brands and boutique hotels for seasonal hampers and cheese pairings.
The company maintains small-batch production to ensure consistency and artisanal quality.
Shipment and Export Records
While Alsop & Walker primarily serves the UK domestic market, select cheeses have been exported to:
- France, Netherlands, and Germany via independent gourmet importers.
- United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong for high-end F&B partners and events.
- Online orders are dispatched across mainland UK, with specialized packaging for refrigerated transport.
The company’s cheeses are featured in curated selections by international cheesemongers and gourmet subscription boxes.
Target Market
Alsop & Walker serves a premium clientele that includes:
- High-end grocery stores and delicatessens (e.g., Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason)
- Restaurants and hotels with an emphasis on local British produce
- Direct-to-consumer via their e-commerce platform and farmer’s markets
- Exporters and specialty cheese retailers in selected international markets
- Event catering and hampers for weddings, corporate gifts, and holiday promotions
Capabilities
- Handcrafted Production: From curd cutting to ageing and waxing, all stages are managed in-house.
- Seasonal Limited Editions: Small-run batches of flavoured and seasonal cheeses.
- Custom Labelling & Private Label: For select retail and hospitality clients.
- Educational Cheese Tastings: Hosted on-site or via partner venues.
Certifications and Compliance
- Fully registered and inspected under UK Food Standards Agency.
- Compliant with SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) and HACCP principles.
- Vegetarian Society-approved rennet used in all cheeses.
- Eco-conscious packaging with recyclable and chilled delivery materials.
Customer Testimonials
- “Lord London is one of the most exciting British cheeses I’ve tasted in years.” – Guild of Fine Food Judge, Great Taste Awards
- “An exquisite range with something for every board—we serve their Mayfield and Sussex Brie daily.” – Executive Chef, Michelin-Starred Restaurant, London
- “Their cheese selection boxes are a Christmas staple in our household.” – Retail Customer, Sussex
Major Achievements
- Top 50 Foods by the Great Taste Awards for Lord London.
- Multiple World Cheese Awards wins, including for Sussex Brie and Mayfield.
- Partnered with Great British Chefs and national events such as The British Cheese Weekender.
- Featured in BBC Good Food, The Independent, and The Telegraph Food & Drink.
Alsop & Walker continues to champion the evolution of British artisan cheese, balancing innovation with time-honoured methods to deliver an exceptional range of award-winning dairy products. With its deep roots in Sussex and expanding national reputation, the company remains a beacon of quality in the modern British cheesemaking landscape.
