In our spotlight series on artisan cheese suppliers, today we explore Paxton & Whitfield.
Stacey Hedges is passionate about artisan cheese suppliers. Cheese lovers and restaurateurs around the world like to buy from experts who really know and understand their cheeses, can advise on storing and cooking and deliver the cheese at the perfect ripeness to eat.
Stephen Cullum started a family cheese business in 1742 with a stall in Aldwych Market. His son, Sam, moved the cheese business to Jermyn Street and brought in two new partners, Harry Paxton and Charles Whitfield. Their reputation for fine cheese grew and in 1850 the company was appointed cheesemonger to HM Queen Victoria. The company navigated a tumultuous time in British cheese history – the accessibility of continental cheese and the increased factory production, with many artisan British cheese makers disappearing. With the war diminishing dairy supplies, 93 Jermyn Street became for a while an ordinary grocery shop. The business came under new ownership, rekindling contacts with traditional cheesemakers in rural Britain, and started bringing in the best on offer from the Continent.
Today, Paxton & Whitfield has stores in Stratford upon Avon, Bath and an additional store in Chelsea, London, as well as thriving online retail business, offering cheese, fine foods and cheese homewares to customers throughout the year. Their wholesale business supplies some of the best restaurants, hotels and retailers in the UK.
Whether retail or wholesale, customers rely on Paxton & Whitfield for expert knowledge and consistent outstanding quality cheese. The ethos of its founders remains, with a focus on quality rather than price, supporting small suppliers and promoting traditional, artisan production. Paxton & Whitfield is committed to sustainable practices and continues to evolve its sourcing, methods and retail offer to mitigate impact on the environment.
For online ordering, subscriptions or gifts, see Paxton & Whitfield. You can find Tunworth in their online and retail shops. Whether amateur or professional, you can also extend your cheese knowledge at the Academy of Cheese.
