Halloween isn’t just for sweets. This year, craft a savoury and spooky celebration with cheeses full of character and warmth. Whether you're hosting a Halloween dinner or enjoying a cosy night in, this cheeseboard and cheesy bake combo will be the highlight.

Cheeses to Feature on Your Cheeseboard:

• Ruby Mist: A rich, velvety mature cheddar laced with port and brandy – decadently autumnal.

• Amber Mist: Smooth and warming, infused with whisky – perfect by candlelight.

• Green Thunder: Garlicky, herby, and savoury – this one keeps the vampires at bay! 🧄

• Oak Smoked Cheddar: Smoky and deep – like a crisp autumn evening.

Pair with charcoal crackers, red grapes, fig chutney, and dried apricots. Add candles and a dark wooden board for that haunted farmhouse feel.

Indulge in this Autumnal Recipe: Spooky Cheesy Pumpkin Bake 🎃

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin (or squash), top cut off and seeds removed

• 75g Oak Smoked Cheddar, grated

• 50g Amber Mist, chopped

• 50g Green Thunder, crumbled

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 100ml double cream

• Cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.

2. Mix the cheeses, garlic, cream, and pepper in a bowl.

3. Spoon the cheesy mixture into the hollow pumpkin.

4. Place pumpkin on a baking tray and roast for 35–45 minutes until the flesh is tender and cheese is bubbling.

5. Serve with chunks of crusty bread and your Halloween cheeseboard.

It’s rich, melty, and utterly unforgettable – a real showstopper for your spooky table.

October is a month of golden leaves, cooler evenings, and gatherings that feel a little more indulgent. It’s the perfect excuse to bring out hearty British cheeses, cosy recipes, and a beautifully styled table that celebrates the season.

Why October is Made for Cheese

As the evenings draw in, our cravings lean toward rich flavours and comfort food. British cheeses truly shine at this time of year—whether that’s the nutty bite of an Extra Mature Cheddar, the smoky warmth of Oak Smoked Cheddar, or the fiery kick of Red Devil. Pair them with autumn fruits like apples, figs, and pears, or spiced chutneys for the perfect balance.

Cheese isn’t just for a cheeseboard, it’s the hero of autumnal cooking too.

The Perfect October Recipe: Smoky Cheddar & Pumpkin Tart

This tart is simple enough for a weeknight supper, yet special enough for entertaining. It combines seasonal pumpkin with the depth of Great British Oak Smoked Cheddar for a dish that tastes like autumn on a plate.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of ready-rolled shortcrust pastry

• 300g pumpkin, peeled and cubed

• 1 red onion, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 eggs

• 150ml double cream

• 150g Great British Oak Smoked Cheddar, grated

• Fresh thyme leaves

• Salt & pepper

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

2. Toss pumpkin cubes and red onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and roast for 25 minutes until soft and caramelised.

3. Line a tart tin with the pastry, prick the base with a fork, and blind-bake for 10 minutes.

4. Whisk eggs and cream together, season, then stir in most of the grated smoked cheddar.

5. Layer the roasted pumpkin and onion into the pastry case, pour over the egg mixture, and scatter with thyme.

6. Top with remaining cheddar and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.

Serve warm with a crisp green salad or as part of an autumn cheeseboard spread.

Building Your October Cheeseboard

If you’re entertaining this month, why not create a centrepiece cheeseboard for your table? Here’s our recommendation for a well-rounded British selection:

• Great British Cheddar – Extra Mature: for its bold, crumbly flavour.

• Oak Smoked Cheddar: smoky richness that pairs beautifully with chutneys.

• Red Devil: a vibrant red Leicester with chilli and paprika for a warming kick.

• Amber Mist: Rich and creamy with a taste of whiskey
• Green Thunder: A mature cheddar with roasted garlic and herbs 

Complete the board with figs, spiced nuts, a drizzle of honey, and plenty of crusty bread.

Gifting British Flavours

October also kicks off the gifting season. Whether you’re sending a thoughtful present to a loved one or preparing for corporate gifting, our Great British cheese hampers are the perfect way to share the warmth of the season. Filled with handpicked cheeses and accompaniments, they’re a taste of Britain at its best.

Crisp air, golden leaves, and cosy evenings indoors—autumn is the season to slow down and savour the moment. And what better way to do so than with a perfectly crafted British cheese board?

A cheese board is more than just a platter—it’s a celebration of regional flavour and artisanal skill. Start your board with a hero: the Great British Extra Mature Cheddar. With its deep flavour and crumbly texture, it brings richness and boldness that stands at the centre of your spread.

Next, balance it with the mellow smokiness of our Oak Smoked Cheddar. Smoked naturally and matured to perfection, it’s ideal for those who appreciate subtle complexity.

Then, bring the wow-factor with a showstopper: Shorrocks Traditional Bomber. Wax-wrapped, aged for depth, and packed with tangy character, this cheese is both a conversation piece and a crowd-pleaser.

No cheese board is complete without thoughtful extras. Add crisp apple slices, fresh grapes, a few wedges of rustic bread, and a spoonful of fig jam or tangy chutney. For an indulgent finish, pair with a glass of port or red wine.

Want to skip the prep and still impress? Treat yourself or someone special to our Luxury Cheese & Port Gift Set. It’s all the flavour, none of the fuss.

This autumn, gather your favourites and create a moment worth savouring. British produce. British makers. A Great British board.

There’s something undeniably British about cheddar cheese. It’s humble, dependable, and full of character. But not all cheddars are created equal. Our Great British Extra Mature Cheddar stands apart as a timeless classic that truly embodies the spirit of British food culture.

Aged for depth and strength, this cheese delivers a bold and rich flavour with a satisfyingly crumbly texture. Each bite is a reminder of traditional cheesemaking practices passed down through generations. It’s not just cheese—it’s heritage you can taste.

At Great British Trading, we focus on sourcing and creating products that reflect our national identity. Our cheddar is crafted in the UK from milk supplied by trusted local farms, supporting British agriculture and small producers.

It’s versatile too: slice it into a sandwich, melt it into a classic toastie, pair it with chutney on a Ploughman's lunch, or simply serve it with a glass of red wine. This cheese doesn't need to be dressed up—its quality speaks for itself.

And for those looking to give the gift of true British flavour, our Luxury Cheese and Port Gift Set is the ultimate indulgence. It brings together our hero cheddar with classic accompaniments to create a luxurious experience.

So, if you’re searching for that perfect balance of strength, richness, and authenticity, our Extra Mature Cheddar is your answer. Taste the craftsmanship, celebrate British tradition.

There’s something truly joyful about opening a new jar of preserve – the anticipation of that first spoonful, the sparkle of summer fruit, the sense of comfort in every spread. That joy is multiplied sevenfold with the Mrs Bridges Seven Days of Preserves set: a charming collection of seven mini jars, each packed with flavour, character, and British heritage.

It’s a week of indulgence, perfect for sunny brunches, cream teas, gifting, or treating yourself to something a little special.

What’s in the Box?

The Seven Days of Preserves collection includes:

• Orange Marmalade – a breakfast classic with a vibrant citrus tang.

• Orange Marmalade with Ginger – warming and aromatic, perfect on oatcakes.

• Raspberry & Redcurrant Preserve – sweet and sharp, a natural yogurt topper.

• Scottish Blackcurrant Preserve – intensely fruity and rich.

• Orange Marmalade with Champagne – an elegant twist on a timeless favourite.

• Lemon Curd – velvety, zesty, and indulgent.

• Strawberry with Champagne Preserve – perfect for scones or summer cake filling.

Summer Idea: Build a Toast Platter

Why settle for just one jar when you can try them all? Create a Summer Toast & Preserve Platter for your next brunch or picnic.

You’ll need:

• A selection of breads (brioche, sourdough, crumpets)

• Fresh fruit (berries, figs, citrus)

• Clotted cream, ricotta, or mascarpone

• Crushed nuts or seeds for topping

• All 7 jars, opened and ready for tasting

Let guests mix and match toppings – strawberry preserve with ricotta and basil, lemon curd with toasted almonds, or orange marmalade with a slice of aged cheddar.

It’s a creative, interactive way to enjoy the full flavour range of Mrs Bridges’ preserves – and it looks beautiful on the table.

A Sweet Gift (Or a Self-Treat)

Mrs Bridges Seven Days of Preserves makes a thoughtful, charming gift for food lovers, hosts, or anyone who appreciates artisan produce. Or treat yourself to a week of joyful breakfasts and afternoon teas.

Explore the full Mrs Bridges range and add a touch of elegance to your summer table.

There are few things more comforting, satisfying, and quintessentially British than a wedge of perfectly aged cheese paired with a spoonful of rich, tangy chutney. At Great British Trading, we believe the secret to a standout cheeseboard or Ploughman’s lunch lies in the details – the artisan accompaniments that elevate your favourite cheeses to something extraordinary.

One of our most cherished producers is Mrs Bridges – a brand synonymous with tradition, quality, and flavour. Handcrafted in Scotland using time-honoured recipes, Mrs Bridges chutneys and preserves are a staple in our collection, known for their signature glass jars and nostalgic charm.

A Chutney Made for Cheese

Take, for instance, the Mrs Bridges Chutney for Cheese – a savoury blend with the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice. It’s tailor-made to complement bold British cheeses like our Extra Mature Cheddar or Snowdonia’s Pickle Power, bringing out their depth while adding a fresh, punchy contrast.

Whether you're building a rustic cheeseboard, layering a sandwich, or creating a Ploughman’s platter, this chutney is a must-have.

Recipe: Mini Cheddar & Chutney Galettes

Looking for a new way to enjoy cheese and chutney? Try these Mini Cheddar & Chutney Galettes – ideal for summer lunches, picnics, or garden parties.

Ingredients (Makes 6):

• 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry

• 100g grated Extra Mature Cheddar

• 2 tbsp Mrs Bridges Chutney for Cheese

• 1 red onion, finely sliced

• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

• Fresh thyme or chives, to garnish

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).

2. Cut the puff pastry into six squares and place on a lined baking tray.

3. Spread 1 tsp of chutney in the centre of each square.

4. Top with grated cheddar and a few slices of red onion.

5. Fold the corners in slightly to create a rustic galette shape. Brush edges with beaten egg.

6. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and bubbling.

7. Garnish with fresh thyme or chives. Serve warm or cold with salad.

These galettes are easy to prepare, packed with flavour, and perfect for showcasing the bold simplicity of British produce.

Explore More from Mrs Bridges

From chutneys to preserves, Mrs Bridges products add a refined touch to any table. Explore our full range of Mrs Bridges classics, and discover your new favourite pairing today.

There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a summer picnic – the rustle of a gingham blanket, chilled rosé in the sunshine, and, of course, great cheese. Whether you're heading to the countryside or your local park, elevate your outdoor gathering with these five luxurious yet fuss-free cheese pairings. All proudly British, all seriously delicious.

1. The Creamy Classic

Cheese: Godminster Organic Vintage Cheddar Heart
Pair With: Mrs Bridges Chutney for Cheese + Stockans Thin Orkney Oatcakes
This organic vintage cheddar is smooth and mellow, shaped as a heart for a charming centrepiece. Its richness is beautifully balanced with the sweet tang of Mrs Bridges chutney and the crunch of traditional oatcakes.

2. The Fiery Favourite

Cheese: Snowdonia Red Devil
Pair With: Cradoc’s Gluten-Free Chilli Ginger & Cumin Crackers + a chilled cider
For those who like a little heat on a hot day, this Red Leicester is infused with Habanero chillies and spices. It’s vibrant, bold, and a conversation starter. Pair with warming ginger crackers and a crisp cider to cool things down.

3. The Countryside Charmer

Cheese: Cornish Yarg Whole Wheel
Pair With: Tracklements Green Tomato Chutney + a loaf of crusty sourdough
A true artisan British cheese wrapped in nettles, Cornish Yarg is clean, crumbly, and surprisingly delicate. Serve with a spoonful of rich green tomato chutney and fresh sourdough for a rustic spread that feels straight from the farm.

4. The Smoky Sophisticate

Cheese: Snowdonia Beechwood
Pair With: Cradoc’s Leek & Caerphilly Crackers + dried figs
Naturally smoked over beechwood chips, this cheddar has a mellow, sweet depth that’s effortlessly refined. Add subtle sweetness with dried figs and earthy crackers for a bite that lingers in all the right ways.

5. The Sweet Finish

Cheese: Snowdonia Ruby Mist
Pair With: Cradoc’s Pear & Earl Grey Crackers
End your picnic on a sophisticated note. Ruby Mist, infused with port and brandy, offers a velvet-smooth finish. Paired with semi-sweet, bergamot-fragranced crackers, it’s dessert in cheese form.

All these cheeses and pairings are available at Great British Trading – handpicked, beautifully presented, and picnic-ready. Shop the full collection now and enjoy a true taste of British summer.

A summer garden party calls for relaxed elegance — think laughter under festoon lights, fizz in hand, and a grazing table that’s as indulgent as it is inviting. At the heart of it all? British cheese. Here’s how to create a showstopping spread with our favourite combinations that are as much about flavour as they are about style.

Setting the Scene

Use wooden boards, ceramic platters and seasonal foliage (think rosemary, thyme, and edible flowers). Add height with cake stands or crates, and let your cheeses be the heroes — unwrapped, at room temperature, and ready to tempt.

5 Hero Cheese Moments for Your Table:

1. The Statement Starter

Cheese: Shorrocks Lancashire Cheese Bomb
Pair With: Tracklements Perfect Ploughman’s Pickle + seeded crackers
Place this bomb-shaped beauty in the centre. Crack it open just before guests arrive — the mature, creamy Lancashire cheese is rich, crumbly, and irresistible. The Ploughman’s Pickle brings zing and depth.

2. The Creamy Crowd-Pleaser

Cheese: Barber’s 1833 Vintage Cheddar
Pair With: Tracklements Caramelised Onion Marmalade + apple slices
With natural crystals and a tangy, sharp kick, this cheddar is a classic with a twist. Serve with sweet onion marmalade and fresh fruit to cut through the richness.

3. The Elegant Bite

Cheese: Baron Bigod Brie
Pair With: Cradoc’s Pear & Earl Grey Crackers + strawberries
This raw milk brie has silky texture and complex, earthy notes. Slice generously and layer onto floral crackers with seasonal strawberries for an elevated mouthful.

4. The Smoky Note

Cheese: Great British Oak Smoked Mature Cheddar
Pair With: Cradoc’s Chilli Ginger & Garlic Crackers + olives
Deeply savoury with a bold smokiness, this cheddar pairs perfectly with crackers that pack a punch and briny olives for balance.

5. The Decadent Finisher

Cheese: Snowdonia Truffle Trove
Pair With: Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam
Truffle, wild mushroom, and garlic notes make this cheese the ultimate in indulgence. Add a touch of sticky chilli jam to lift its richness and surprise your guests.

Grazing Table Tips:

• Cheese Order: Place mild cheeses at one end, boldest at the other.

• Serve Style: Slice some, leave others whole for theatre.

• Balance Flavour: Mix sweet, sharp, savoury and spicy elements.

• Don’t Forget Drinks: Suggest English sparkling wine or elderflower spritz.

Your garden party deserves cheese as memorable as the occasion. Browse our full range of British cheeses and gourmet accompaniments to build your ultimate grazing table.

The sun’s out, the grill’s on, and it’s time to upgrade your BBQ game. While burgers and sausages are front and centre, it’s the side dishes that often steal the show — especially when cheese is involved. We’ve handpicked three summer-ready recipes featuring standout cheeses from Great British Trading that will take your BBQ to the next level.

From the bold richness of Extra Mature Cheddar to the indulgent depth of truffle-infused Snowdonia, these sides are anything but an afterthought.

1. Smoky Cheddar & Chive Potato Salad

Cheese: Great British Extra Mature Cheddar

A rich and smoky twist on a BBQ classic. This potato salad skips the mayo-heavy route for a sharp, tangy dressing, complemented by bold chunks of Extra Mature Cheddar that melt ever-so-slightly into the warm potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1kg baby potatoes

• 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• Salt and black pepper

• A handful of fresh chives, chopped

• 200g Great British Extra Mature Cheddar, cubed

Method:

1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and let cool slightly.

2. Whisk together mustard, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

3. Toss warm potatoes with dressing, fold in cubed Extra Mature Cheddar, and scatter with fresh chives.

4. Serve warm or chilled — either way, it’s a hit.

🧀 Crafted in Britain, this Extra Mature Cheddar brings a bold, tangy depth that transforms your average potato salad into something extraordinary.

2. Truffle Trove Mac & Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Cheese: Snowdonia Truffle Trove

For the foodies in your crowd, these indulgent mac and cheese-stuffed peppers are a BBQ showstopper. The earthy luxury of Snowdonia Truffle Trove elevates this childhood favourite into a gourmet side that pairs beautifully with chargrilled steaks or roasted veg.

Ingredients:

• 200g macaroni

• 250ml milk

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp plain flour

• 150g Snowdonia Truffle Trove, grated

• 4 large bell peppers

• Salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Cook macaroni and set aside.

2. In a pan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook for 1 min. Slowly add milk to make a smooth sauce.

3. Stir in grated Truffle Trove until melted and season well.

4. Combine with pasta, then stuff into halved bell peppers.

5. Place on the grill or bake in the oven at 180°C for 20 minutes.

6. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese on top and grill until bubbling.

🧀 Snowdonia’s Truffle Trove adds an elegant, umami-rich twist that will have your guests begging for the recipe — and a second helping.

3. Charred Corn Ribs with Extra Mature Cheddar & Chilli Honey Drizzle

Cheese: Great British Cheddar - Extra Mature

Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of cheesy — this dish brings out the best in British cheddar.

Ingredients:

• 2 corn on the cob

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 80g Great British Cheddar- Extra Mature, finely grated

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1/2 tsp red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)

• Fresh coriander or chives (optional), to garnish

Method:

1. Prep the Corn Ribs
   Cut each corn cob into quarters lengthways to make "ribs" (use a sharp knife and a steady hand). Toss in olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Grill Until Charred
   Place the corn ribs on the BBQ over medium-high heat. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and curled at the edges.

3. Add the Cheese
   While the corn is still hot, sprinkle over the Wookey Hole Cheddar so it melts slightly onto the warm kernels.

4. Chilli Honey Drizzle
   In a small bowl, mix the honey with chilli flakes. Drizzle over the cheesy corn just before serving.

5. Garnish & Serve
   Scatter with chopped herbs if using. Serve hot as a vibrant, cheesy BBQ side.

Ready to Impress Your BBQ Guests?
Make your summer sides unforgettable with premium cheeses from Great British Trading. Whether you’re melting Monteray Jack into spicy bites or turning up the indulgence with Truffle Trove, these cheeses are the secret ingredient to every successful BBQ spread.

Explore the full range of world and British cheeses here.

Let’s be honest. Dads are notoriously hard to buy for. They either want nothing, already have everything, or simply mutter “just a pair of socks will do.” But this Father’s Day, we’re calling time on sock-based solutions. It’s time to treat Dad to something a little more flavourful, a little more thoughtful – and a lot more British.

Whether your dad’s a foodie, a cheese connoisseur, a hot sauce addict, or just loves an excuse for a good sit-down and snack, Great British Trading has got you covered. Our handpicked range of British-made food, drink, and gift hampers is basically a Father’s Day cheat code.

🍽️ Make It Personal: Feed Him Something He’ll Remember

Sure, you could take him out to a pub. But nothing says “I appreciate you” like cooking up a meal and cracking open a jar of something delicious from a lovingly curated gift box. And that’s where our Father’s Day hero comes in: Luxury Cheese & Port Hamper.

It’s packed with rich cheddar and creamy truffle cheese, chutney, crackers, and other tasty nibbles worthy of any distinguished snacker. But we’re not just here to arrange things on a board (although no judgement – grazing boards are art). We’re taking it up a notch with a simple but show-stopping recipe using one of the stars of the box: Pear, Date & Cognac Chutney

🍔 RECIPE: Dad’s Ultimate Ploughman’s Toastie

Melty, punchy, nostalgic, and very British – this toastie is what Father’s Day dreams are made of.

You’ll need:

• 2 slices of crusty sourdough or farmhouse loaf

• A knob of good butter

• Mature cheddar (the sharper, the better – thank you, Snowdonia Black Bomber )

• Slices of cured ham or thick-cut bacon

• A generous spoonful (or three) of Pear, Date & Cognac Chutney

• Optional: a few slices of apple or red onion for a bit of bite

How to:

1. Butter the outside of the bread like you mean it – no dry toasties allowed.

2. Layer up: cheddar, ham, and a hearty dollop of ale chutney. Add apple slices if you’re feeling fancy.

3. Sandwich it together and fry in a pan on medium heat, pressing it down slightly. Flip once golden and gooey.

4. Serve with class of luxury port, a pickle on the side, and the remote control passed politely to Dad.

It’s rich, sticky, savoury, and a little bit posh. And if you don’t sneak a bite before handing it over, you’re stronger than we are.

🎁 Gifting Made Easy (and Delicious)

Not much of a cook? No worries. The good people at Great British Trading have done the hard work for you. Our gift range is full of options, from award-winning British cheeses and handmade chutneys to artisan snacks and tipples that’ll have him raising his eyebrows in impressed surprise.

A few standouts:

• Luxury Cheese & Wine Hamper – for the dad who likes his crackers gourmet and his wine properly poured.

• Hot & Spicy Gift Set – for the dad who like it with an extra hit of spice. 

All beautifully packaged, all proudly British, and all delivered straight to his door. It’s gifting without the guesswork – and with a whole lot more taste.

🇬🇧 Let’s Hear It for the Dads

From Sunday morning taxi services and endless DIY "consultations" to bad jokes and brilliant advice, dads do a lot. So whether you're celebrating your dad, stepdad, grandad, or another top bloke in your life, Father’s Day is your chance to say: Thanks. Here’s a chutney toastie. And also some really great cheese.

So raise a glass (or a toastie) to Dad this year – and let Great British Trading help you make it a Father’s Day to remember.

Shop the full Father’s Day range at greatbritishtrading.co.uk
Because socks are fine, but chutney is forever.