The Padfield family have been happily milking a herd of cows at Park Farm for four generations. Edward Ernest Padfield took on the 240 acres of Park Farm in August 1914.
In 1990, when Graham Padfield decided to start making cheese again, he was able to do so in the very same buildings in which his grandmother had made her Cheddar nearly 80 years before. Times changed and in 2015, production moved into a new cheese dairy adjacent to the cattle dairy and milking parlour. Graham’s award-winning cheeses are now made closer than ever to where the cows are milked – less than 50 yards away!
There is an old farming saying, “Look after your cows and your cows will look after you.”
It goes to the heart of what happens at Park Farm. They take a traditional approach both to how they raise and graze their small herd of 160 mainly Holstein Friesian cows and to their artisan, handmade, hands-on cheesemaking.
In these uncertain times, they are always looking for ways in which they can remain sustainable and economical in the future.
In 2022, the Bath Soft Cheese Co. scooped up two Gold Taste of the West Awards for their soft cheese and Merry Wyfe cheese.
Bath Soft Cheese is soft and yielding with a white bloomy rind, once cut into it reveals an ivory coloured interior. The flavour is mushroomy and creamy with a hint of lemons. It comes wrapped in parchment paper with a red wax seal. This Cheese dates back to the time of Admiral Lord Nelson who, in 1801, was sent some by his father as a gift. It was recorded that Nelson’s sweet heart was ‘gratified’ by the flavour of this cheese!
The Merry Wyfe cheese is a washed-rind cheese made with their Wyfe of Bath curds which are pressed and then washed in cider every other day for four weeks (hence the name ‘Merry’ Wyfe!). Graham makes the cider at Park Farm using organic apples harvested on the farm. This cheese has a distinctive pungent orange (edible) rind and a rich, creamy texture typical of their cheeses; a beautiful addition to their range.
The café at Park Farm was also awarded a Gold 2022 Award, and offers high quality dishes, using local West Country suppliers along with its exceptional award-winning handmade cheeses.
“We are very proud to be part of the vibrant west country food scene, and it is great to have the quality of our café and cheeses recognised by the Taste of the West.”
says Hugh Padfield.
To find out more about the Bath Soft Cheese Co., please visit their website: parkfarm.co.uk.
The 2023 Taste of the West Product Awards are open for entries until Friday 28 April. To find out more please visit www.tasteofthewest.co.uk/business/awards
Taste of the West’s Product, Hospitality & Retail Awards 2023 are open for entries. To find out more about entering please visit www.tasteofthewest.co.uk/business/awards.
