Journalism & News from Bournemouth University

Its national cheese lovers day: Brie-lieve it or not

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Cheese board
Photo Credit: freepix

Today is national cheese lovers’ day- a day to celebrate one of Britain’s’ most-loved food, in any of its glorious forms. From the UK’s personal favourite- cheddar, to the brie’s and the hate-or-love crumbly blues, 94% of UK adults are cheese consumers according to Dairy UK and there’s something for everyone.

Dorset in particular holds strong ties to cheese-mongering, famous for the ‘Dorset Blue Vinny’: a traditional, crumbly blue cheese with its recipe roughly 300-350 years old. The cheese has a deep flavour that is often described as subtly salty acting as stilton’s less overpowering sister. After World War II halted production, the revival began in the 1980s, driven by Micheal Davies, a farmer from Woodbridge Farm.

Dorset’s early origins see evidence of cheese-making dating back to the 1800’s, based on basket imprints.

For many, cheese is a staple comfort food and an integral part of many celebrations and special events. Cheddar and blue stilton are consistently popular within the UK serving as crowd pleasers and often presented in gift sets or on Christmas cheese boards. In fact, according to AHDB cow cheese saw total volumes up by 4.4% year-on-year for Christmas 2025.

Fake cow outside cheese shop.
Photo Credit: Ira Melnykova

However, national cheese lovers’ day is a perfect time to explore beyond the classics. Independent cheese shops across Dorset are celebrating the day and selling some lesser-known alternatives- ashcombe, burford, truffled baron.

The day also lands on the run-up to Christchurch Cheese Festival in the spring, for cheese lovers to come together and indulge.

In honour of todays’ celebrations, here are some lesser-known facts that you cheese lovers might like to know.

  • On average, people in the UK eat approximately 11.5 kilograms of cheese a year.
  • There are around 700 varieties of cheese made in the UK (think you could try them all? Bucket list maybe…)
  • The oldest cheese in the UK is Cheshire, appearing by name in 1086 literature.
  • Cheese contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps with sleep.

Hear more from Bournemouth locals and other news in our 12pm bulletin.

Across the nation, January 20th is the perfect day to indulge in this timeless staple.