Competitors have 30 minutes to produce a cheese-based starter, using at least one of four award winning British cheeses supplied by Artisan Cheese Makers Alsop & Walker to be served either hot or cold. Finalists can request samples from Alsop & Walker to be sent in advance of the event and product will be available at the event on the day of the competition. 

Competitors must use at least one of the following:

• LORD LONDON – A semi soft cheese made from pasteurised cow’s milk with a clean citrus taste with an edible white rind.
• MAYFIELD – A Semi-Hard Emmental style cheese that is sweet, nutty, and creamy
• SMOKED MAYFIELD – Lightly cold smoked over oak, you can taste the original Mayfield cheese with a hint of smoke. This semi-hard cheese has a creamy, sweet and nutty taste. Aged for 5-7 months.
• IDLE HOUR – A semi-hard cheese; creamy tasting with citrus undertones and a hint of nut, in a natural edible rind. Made from pasteurised cow’s milk. Matured for 16–20 weeks. This cheese is made to an old, traditional cheese recipe but with an Alsop twist. Having a slightly crumbly texture with a hint of lemon