Fancy a Festive Cheesy Afternoon Tea for Christmas?

Picture this: a classic afternoon tea, but with a seriously cheesy twist. Earlier this year, the Cheesy Afternoon Tea from the Wensleydale Creamery became a huge hit online, and now it’s back with a festive makeover. Just in time for Christmas, they’ve rolled out a special menu that swaps out the usual cucumber sandwiches for some proper cheesy delights. It’s the kind of thing that makes a trip to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales even more tempting. This new launch is all about giving cheese lovers a unique way to celebrate the season, blending traditional festive flavours with the famous Wensleydale cheese.

What’s actually on the festive menu?

So, what can you expect from this cheesy experience? Forget plain scones and jam for a minute. The team at the Wensleydale Creamery has put together a menu that’s a dream for anyone who loves cheese. The official launch is on 17th November, and it will be available right through until 4th January, giving everyone plenty of time to get their festive food fix. At £22 per person, it’s a brilliant treat that won’t break the bank.

The menu is packed with creative dishes. Here’s a little taster of what’s included in the festive cheesy afternoon tea:

• Deep Fried Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries Panko Cheese Balls
• Yorkshire Dales Beef Bourguignon with a Wensleydale Blue Cheese Crumble
• Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries with Pork Sausage Pigs in Blankets
• Sticky Ginger Parkin served with Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese
• The classic Mince Pie, served the local way with a slice of Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese

And that’s not all. The whole thing comes with locally made chutney, pan-fired new potatoes, and your choice of Yorkshire Tea or coffee. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can add a glass of fizz or some warm mulled wine. What’s really great is that you don’t need a partner to enjoy it. Originally designed for two, the afternoon tea can now be ordered for one, making it perfect whether you’re on your own, with a mate, or in a big group. This festive cheese feast is a proper celebration.

Christmas cheer for everyone (even the little ones)

The good news doesn't stop with the grown-ups. The Wensleydale Creamery has made sure that children can get in on the fun too. Alongside the main festive launch, there's a special Gromit’s Afternoon Tea just for kids. For £12 per person, little cheese lovers get their own fantastic feast. The menu for children sounds just as delicious, with things like a cheesy crumpet and creamy Wensleydale mac ‘n’ cheese.

It also comes with chunky chips, cucumber sticks, and some sweet cherry tomatoes. For pudding, there's a honeycomb rocky road, which is bound to be a winner. To drink, children can have milk or fruit squash, and it’s served in a cool Gromit mug. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes the whole experience memorable for the younger visitors, ensuring the entire family can enjoy a day out in the Yorkshire Dales.

More than just afternoon tea at the Wensleydale Creamery

A trip to the Wensleydale Creamery is about more than just the food; it's a full-on cheesy day out. The Visitor Centre in Hawes is a massive attraction, welcoming around 350,000 people every year. Inside, you can discover the UK's top Cheese Experience. This includes a viewing gallery where you can watch the experts at work during the cheese-making process and see demonstrations that show how the famous Wensleydale cheese is made.

After you’ve seen how it’s done, you can head to the Cheese Shop. It’s an amazing place, with over 20 different types of cheese to try and buy. You can pick up the classic Yorkshire Wensleydale, or maybe the one with cranberries that has become so popular. The shop also stocks loads of local goodies that go perfectly with cheese. If you’re still hungry after your afternoon tea, there’s also Calvert’s Restaurant and the 1897 Coffee Shop, both serving dishes inspired by, you guessed it, cheese. It's a fantastic place to learn about and enjoy everything Wensleydale has to offer.

What makes Wensleydale cheese so special?

Ever wondered why Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese tastes so good? It’s all down to tradition and location. The Wensleydale Creamery uses milk from local farms in the Yorkshire Dales to handcraft its famous cheese. They follow time-honoured recipes, which gives the cheese its unique creamy and crumbly texture. This special cheese even has something called Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. It sounds complicated, but it basically means that only Wensleydale cheese made in this specific area can be called Yorkshire Wensleydale. It’s like how sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it’s from the Champagne region in France.

This PGI status guarantees you’re getting the real deal – an authentic, high-quality cheese. The creamery is also known for being innovative. They were the first to launch the now-famous Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries cheese back in 1996. It was a massive hit and is now a firm favourite you can find in major retailers and local delis. So, when you’re enjoying that cheesy Beef Bourguignon with its Blue Cheese Crumble, you’re tasting a piece of proper Yorkshire heritage.