I had some cheese to review this week, but I unfortunately ate it all before I had a chance to photograph it. Therefore, here is some filler a photo diary from the recent Royal Bath & West Show – an agricultural show that, for the first time this year, incorporated the British Cheese Awards. I think they need to work on allowing the visiting public to try the competition cheese, rather than having them in a sort of plastic wrapped museum format, but I concede that I know nothing of the logistics that go into such an undertaking (1,000 + cheeses sent in for judging). That said, feels like there are tricks being missed. But it is only the first.
Mix of Somerset gentlefolk at Bath & West
British Cider Championships held at Bath & West. Apparently, Bob Chaplin, of Doulting near Shepton Mallet, took the Fruiterers’ Trophy for the Supreme Champion British Cider, for his Broadpool Cider dry. “This is the pinnacle”, Bob said. “To have won the very first British Cider Championships is the high point of my cider-making career. There can’t be any greater honour.”
Very nice, bit of a rip off
Cider judging. I know a bloke what can knock you up one of those purple badges for a fiver. Go to car park C, ask for Geoff.
Mighty cider selection available at the bar. “I’ll have an ‘alf of the Barn Owl, please, stout yeoman of the bar.”
Cider makers demonstrating the traditional ways
The die hard fan
“I’m looking for something very specific: a photograph frame for a portrait of a horse with a lime green border. I’ve looked everywhere, I’m at my wits end – can you help?”
Prize pigs
Prize cow
Look at the size of this!
“Mm, good hooves…”
Clearly no fan of Keira Knightley
Another delicious, I mean, handsome looking beast
Buffing the undercarriage…
The Conquering Cheddar: Quickes Vintage Cheddar from Devon. Congrats to Mary Quicke!
Reserve Champ: Humming Bark by Carrigbyrne Cheese… intriguing little fellow
The King of Kings: Rosary Garlic & Herb by Rosary Goats Cheese. Release the hounds.
The Turo Files 