Anne’s Italian creation aims to offer la dolce vita

Nov 13 2008 Whitchurch Herald

Anne’s Italian creation aims to offer la dolce vita

THE full flavour of the Italian Alps is tingling the tastebuds of cheese-lovers who adore the dolce vita!

Anne Connolly, 44, worked in Italy for 17 years before falling for ski tourist Peter Clayton, a Hampton Heath dairy farmer.

Peter won hotel worker Anne’s heart and she returned with him to his Larkton Hall spread in 2000.

Anne settled into the farming life and had a baby – named Amy – but still missed the creamy and tangy taste of her favourite Italian cheese.

When she mentioned it to partner Peter, he challenged her to make some herself – and so she did!

Enlisting the help of an Italian friend, Anne learned to make cheese Italian-style using milk from the 350-strong herd.

“Italian cheese is made with a different method to English cheese,” she explained. “It’s dipped in brine and then there’s a secret next step which I can’t give away!”

Larkton Hall Cheese is now sold across the region after being discovered in 2005 by ‘cheese detective’ Peter Papprill.

Mr Papprill was given his nickname after starring in Gary Rhodes’ cookery programme, The Cheese Detective.

He works for cheese and food wholesaler Pendrill Food, hunting down new cheeses produced in the area.

Since venturing out onto the market place, Anne’s cheese has proved to be a big success with both the public and the experts alike, winning a gold medal in the British Cheese Awards 2008.

“I was thrilled when I won gold as I was up against people who’ve been making cheese for years and years,” she said.

Anne’s already planning her next step, trying her hand at making a speciality cheese which blends goat and cow milk.

“The goats milk will also be locally sourced as my friend nearby has just decided to start rearing goats,” explained Anne.

Larkton Hall Cheese can be found in delis including the Cheese Shop in Chester and Harvey Nichols in Manchester.

Anne also sells her Larkton Hall cheese at Whitchurch Market every Friday between 8am and midday.