Cave-aged Cheddar

In partnership with Quicke’s, we are proud to announce the introduction of our exclusive Cave-aged Clothbound Cheddar, which is now visible on guided tours through the cave, and available to buy in the Kents Cavern shop. We also offer regular cheese-tasting events for the full experience, and our Cave-aged Cheddar is heavily featured on our delicious menus at The Firestone Kitchen!

Our truckles of clothbound cheddar are supplied by Quicke’s, a family-run company that have been based locally in Newton St Cyres since 1540.

With over a century of experience between them, the Quicke’s team of expert cheesemakers understand that what they do is an art. Using all their senses, they individually craft every cheese by hand. The recipes they follow date back generations; each batch of cheese is started using a culture that has remained unchanged for decades.

How does Cave-aged Cheese at Kents Cavern work?

The unique, natural conditions of Kents Cavern (consistent temperature and humidity) are ideal for maturing cheddar through a process called ‘cave-ageing’.

To be classed as ‘cave-aged’, wheels of cheddar must be kept underground for at least 6 weeks. Spending this time in the cave enhances the texture, taste, and aroma, creating a bold and robust flavour. The longer the cheese is kept in the cave, the more mature it will be.

This traditional technique is centuries old and continues to produce some of the finest cheeses in the world.

Every week, the Kents Cavern Cheese Team enter the cave to wipe the clothbound cheddar and flip it over. Once mature enough, a truckle is brought out of the cave, and the cloth and rind are removed before the cheddar is cut up and packaged ready to use in our restaurant and sold in the gift shop.

Come to a cheese tasting experience

We are pleased to also introduce exclusive cheese tasting experiences alongside our cheddar being available to purchase from our gift shop.

On these events, you'll go on a guided tour of our caves, stopping by the cheddar maturing deep inside of course, before stopping in the Bear's Den chamber for a blind cheese tasting exercise (featured on the BBC!). Finally, you'll be treated to a cheese dining experience in our Firestone Cafe savouring five delicious local cheeses with pairing tips, information and fun facts along the way.

Prepare to be immersed in a world of cheeses at Kents Cavern!

SEE WHAT'S ON

Chutney and Crackers

Why not pair your Kents Cavern Cave-aged Cheddar with some locally made preserves or crackers?

All of our preserves are made by Otter Vale, who hand make their chutneys in kitchens located near Collumpton in Devon.

Our crackers are made by the Fresh Flour Company, an award-winning not-for-profit company based in Buckfastleigh, with 100% naturally grown non-synthetic grain, milled onsite.

All available to buy in the Kents Cavern gift shop!

Kents Cavern Gift Shop