Meet Claire Burt: Award-Winning Cheesemaker and the Magic Behind Burts Cheese
If you’ve joined one of our Taste of Chester Food Tours, you’ll know that a stop at The Cheese Shop Chester is a true highlight. Among the standout cheeses we feature here are those handcrafted by one of Cheshire’s finest artisan cheesemakers: Claire Burt, founder of the acclaimed Burts Cheese.
From Kitchen Table to Multi-Award Winner
Claire’s journey into cheese began from her own kitchen, driven by a passion for crafting great-tasting cheese using the best of local ingredients. Fast-forward to today, and Burts Cheese has won numerous awards and national recognition for its unique flavours and quality craftsmanship. Whether it’s the rich and creamy Burt’s Blue or the beautifully mellow Drunken Burt, Claire’s cheeses are loved by chefs, cheesemongers and foodies alike — including our tour guests!
Make Your Own Cheese: Workshops at Bidlea Dairy
Want to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at cheese-making? Claire now runs hands-on cheese-making workshops from her classroom next to the dairy at Bidlea Dairy in Cheshire. These immersive experiences introduce you to the fundamental principles of cheese-making — and best of all, you get to make your very own fresh soft cheese to take home and enjoy.
You’ll also get a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Claire and her team make their famous Burts Cheese. You can even get involved in the process, contributing to cheese that will be matured at the dairy and collected later — a real farm-to-table experience.
Cheese, Learning, and Plenty of Tasting!
No cheese workshop would be complete without a few indulgent samples, and Claire’s events don’t disappoint. From mild and mellow to bold and blue, you’ll taste your way through the Burts range, gaining a deeper appreciation for the care, skill and passion that goes into every wheel.
Supporting Local, Celebrating Artisans
At Walking Food Tours UK, we’re proud to spotlight the region’s most talented independent producers — and Claire Burt is a brilliant example. Whether you’re discovering her cheeses for the first time on our Taste of Chester Food Tour or planning your own workshop experience, her story is a shining example of Cheshire’s thriving food and drink scene.
Inspired to learn more or try your hand at cheese-making?
Visit www.burtscheese.co.uk to explore Claire’s award-winning range or book your place on a workshop.
And don’t forget — you can sample some of Claire’s finest creations on our Taste of Chester Food Tour. Cheese-lovers, this one’s for you!
