A British Cheese Lover’s Guide to Johns

There are few things we love more at Johns than a really good cheeseboard. From soft, creamy Bries to crumbly Cheddars, rich blues and characterful Cornish creations, our cheese counter is packed with British cheeses from across the South West and beyond. We’re big believers that cheese should be explored, talked about and enjoyed. So whether you already know exactly what you like or you’re looking for something completely different, there’s always something new to discover at Johns of Instow & Appledore.

Soft, creamy & beautifully indulgent

If you love a soft cheese, you’re very much in the right place. One of our Devon favourites is Sharpham Brie, handmade in Devon using Jersey cow’s milk. It starts firm, rich and creamy before becoming wonderfully soft and developing savoury, mushroomy notes as it matures. It’s a cheese that works beautifully on a cheeseboard — and is absolutely gorgeous when baked. We also stock Sharpham Rustic, another Devon favourite. Despite its name, this is quite a different cheese: a semi-hard, crumbly cheese with a gentle tang that balances its rich Jersey milk. Its natural white rind and golden centre make it just as good to look at as it is to eat. And if you’re looking for another classic soft cheese, look out for Cricket St Thomas Brie — creamy, indulgent and perfect for spreading onto a good cracker or serving as part of a generous cheeseboard.

A taste of Cornwall

We couldn’t have a Johns cheese counter without plenty of Cornish character. Cornish Yarg is one of those cheeses that immediately catches your eye, wrapped in its distinctive nettle leaves. It has a lovely crumbly texture and a delicious balance of creamy and earthy flavours.

And if you enjoy a little extra flavour, try Garlic Yarg — bringing the distinctive character of Yarg together with a gentle garlic note. We also love Cornish Gouda, bringing a different style to our selection. Smooth, rich and versatile, it’s a great choice for slicing, sandwiches or simply adding another texture to a cheeseboard.

Cheddar: from classic to seriously mature

No British cheese selection would be complete without Cheddar — but there’s certainly more than one way to enjoy it! Quicke’s Mature Cheddar is a classic West Country cheese with plenty of depth and character. We also stock Keen’s Mature Cheddar, another traditional Somerset favourite, for those who like their Cheddar with plenty of flavour. And then there’s Barber’s Vintage Cheddar — mature, full-flavoured and wonderfully versatile. Three Cheddars, three different personalities. Why not try them side by side and see which one becomes your favourite?

When you want something a little different…

Some cheeses are made for the traditional cheeseboard. Others are made to get people talking.That’s where Curds & Croust comes in.Their Cornish cheeses are handcrafted using locally sourced organic milk, with a range that goes well beyond the everyday. Look out for:

• The Truffler -A Cornish truffle Brie with earthy, aromatic truffle character. Rich, creamy and definitely one for anyone who likes their cheese with a little something extra.
• Boy Laity -A Cornish Camembert with a rich, buttery texture that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
• Smokey Duke- A smoked Cornish Brie with a mellow, creamy character and subtle smoky flavour.

They’re wonderful examples of how British cheesemaking continues to evolve — taking traditional styles and giving them a distinctly local personality.

Bring on the blues

Blue cheese can be a bit of a love-it-or-learn-to-love-it affair! Our selection includes some fantastic examples, from Devon through to Nottinghamshire.

Devon Blue is a modern British classic. Made at Ticklemore Dairy in South Devon, it’s an unpressed, French-style blue with a light, subtle blue character alongside flinty and mineral notes. Then there’s Burt’s Blue, another delicious Devon blue to seek out if you enjoy cheeses with character. And of course, no British blue cheese selection would be complete without Colston Bassett Stilton. Creamy, rich and beautifully veined, it’s a classic for good reason. Colston Bassett describes its Stilton as smooth and creamy with a mellow flavour rather than a harsh, acidic blue character. Serve it with crackers, chutney and something sweet — or simply let the cheese do the talking.

Truckles: little cheeses with plenty of character

If you’re looking for something that makes a lovely gift, stocking filler or addition to a cheeseboard, our Godminster and Snowdonia truckles are well worth exploring. They’re small, beautifully presented and packed with flavour — making them particularly handy when you want to put together a cheeseboard with several different cheeses rather than committing to one large piece. They also make lovely gifts for cheese lovers.

Something for every cheese lover

One of the things we love about our cheese counter is that there really isn’t a single definition of a “good cheese”. Maybe you want something soft and creamy. Maybe you’re after a strong blue. Perhaps you’re a Cheddar traditionalist. Or maybe you want to try something completely different — truffle, smoke, garlic or a cheese you’ve never heard of before. That’s the joy of cheese. And because we have such a broad selection, you can build a cheeseboard around different textures, strengths and flavours rather than simply picking one cheese and calling it done. Try a soft cheese alongside a mature Cheddar. Add something blue. Bring in a Cornish speciality. Finish with chutney, crackers and a good glass of wine.

Come and explore our cheese counter

Our cheese selection is a celebration of British cheesemaking, with a particular love for the incredible cheeses produced here in the South West. From Devon Bries and Blues to Cornish Yarg, Somerset and West Country Cheddars, artisan Cornish creations and classic Stilton, there’s a lot to discover.

And if you’re not sure what to choose, ask us. We love talking cheese, helping you find something you’ll enjoy and, most importantly, encouraging you to try something new.

Soft. Hard. Blue. Mild. Mature. Traditional. A little bit different.

There’s a whole world of British cheese waiting for you at Johns.

Pop in, explore the counter and find your next favourite. 🧀