At the recent Taste of London festival, a playful warning echoed through the crowdJeremy Clarkson had better watch his back. A rival was emerging, armed with top-notch locally sourced produce. The irony? This so-called competitor is none other than Clawson Farms, a brand that, amusingly, sounds strikingly similar to Clarkson’s own venture.
But before rumors could spiral into a full-blown feud, a spokesperson for Clawson Farms quickly set the record straight. They are not rivals, but collaborators. In a delightful twist, Clarkson has begun offering one of Clawson’s renowned cheeses, the Rutland Red, at his Diddly Squat farm shop. Produced in Melton Mowbray, this cheese boasts a recipe steeped in centuries of tradition. “We don’t see Jeremy Clarkson’s brand as competition,” the spokesperson explained. “We appreciate the spotlight he’s putting on British farming.”
According to the spokesperson, the Rutland Red is no ordinary cheese; it’s a traditionally handcrafted Red Leicester that snagged the award for the best British territorial cheese last year. Clawson Farms prides itself on its commitment to local ingredients and a deep-rooted connection to the community. “What we share with Jeremy is our dedication to crafting quality products with passion,” she added.
With a legacy stretching over 100 years, Clawson Farms stands as one of the last four Stilton makers in the UK, viewing themselves as guardians of this heritage cheese. They source all their milk from local farms—within a 30-mile radius—and adhere strictly to the regulations governing Stilton production, which requires milk from specific English counties.
While Clarkson has been brewing a buzz with his successful Hawkstone beer and the local offerings at his Burford pub, The Farmer’s Dog, he’s not stopping there. The partnership with Clawson Farms is set to elevate his cheese game as well.
Fans of Diddly Squat are in for a treat. Clawson Farms crafts some unique flavors, including the fiery Wizard’s Fire cheese, made with spicy Scotch Bonnet chili and roasted red peppers, sure to tantalize the senses. There’s also the decedent Truffle Seeker—a rich blend of honey, white truffle, and Porcini mushroom sauce.
Currently, the Rutland Red is the standout cheese available at South Oxfordshire’s Diddly Squat farm shop. This lively Red Leicester is matured for six months, ensuring it finds the perfect spot on your cheese board.