Country Cheeses
20 Staple Tor Road , Tavistock, PL19 8FY
Member Overview
Country Cheeses is a beloved Devon institution specialising exclusively in British, and especially Westcountry artisan cheeses, with three shops located in Tavistock, Totnes and Topsham. Founded in 1994 by Elise and Gary Jungheim as a single market stall in Tavistock Pannier Market, Country Cheeses has grown into one of the region’s most respected cheesemongers — named Best Cheesemonger at the Great British Cheese Awards.
Their ethos is simple: REAL cheese, REAL flavour, REAL passion, with close relationships with cheesemakers and a commitment to maturing and ripening cheese themselves on the edge of Dartmoor.
What Makes Country Cheeses Special? 100% British, Mostly Westcountry. They stock up to 150 cheeses, all British and mostly from Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. They avoid continental cheeses entirely, focusing on the very best of local artisan production. Strong Relationships With Makers. Many cheeses are produced especially for Country Cheeses, thanks to their long‑standing partnerships with regional dairies. Maturing Their Own Cheeses. They operate their own cheese maturation cave, allowing them to ripen selected cheeses to peak flavour and quality.
A Passionate Team
Their knowledgeable cheesemongers are known for their enthusiasm, storytelling, and for helping customers discover new favourites. Community & Events hosts a biennial Real Cheese Fair in Tavistock, bringing together artisan cheesemakers, local producers, bakers, vineyards, and cider makers.
The Three Shops
Tavistock
Market Road, PL19 0BW
01822 615035
The original and largest shop, rooted in the town’s strong food culture.
01822 615035
The original and largest shop, rooted in the town’s strong food culture.
Topsham
26 Fore Street, EX3 0HD
01392 877746
A vibrant cheese hub in Exeter’s charming estuary town.
01392 877746
A vibrant cheese hub in Exeter’s charming estuary town.
Totnes
1 Ticklemore Street, TQ9 5EJ
01803 865926
A well‑loved shop in Totnes’ independent‑spirited high street.
01803 865926
A well‑loved shop in Totnes’ independent‑spirited high street.
Cheese Selection
Country Cheeses offers: Westcountry classics like Curworthy, Sharpham, Devon Blue, Beenleigh Blue, Cornish Yarg, Quicke’s cheddars. Rare and seasonal releases. Cheeses are matured or finished specifically for their shops. They ensure cheeses vary through the seasons — mirroring the rhythms of grass, milk and traditional cheesemaking.
Country Cheeses is deeply rooted in the revival of British artisan cheesemaking. They highlight how wartime regulation and supermarket culture nearly erased farmhouse cheesemaking — and they’ve built their business on restoring “old‑fashioned flavours of REAL cheese.”Whether you’re a cheese devotee or simply exploring regional food, Country Cheeses is a must‑visit stop on the South West’s food map.
Cheese Shop | Devon Cheese Shop | British Farmhouse Cheese Specialist | Buy Artisan Cheese Devon | goat and sheep cheeses Devon | Westcountry Cheese Selection | Country Cheeses | Championing Real Westcountry Cheese | Tavistock | Totnes | Topsham
Cheese Shop | Devon Cheese Shop | British Farmhouse Cheese Specialist | Buy Artisan Cheese Devon | goat and sheep cheeses Devon | Westcountry Cheese Selection | Country Cheeses | Championing Real Westcountry Cheese | Tavistock | Totnes | Topsham
Where to find us