I always tell my colleagues in Westminster about the many great food producers we have in the Moorlands and this week’s Reason highlights two of them – Staffordshire Cheese Co in Cheddleton and Live Love Loaf in Leek.
I am always pleased to visit local food producers in the Moorlands. My family has long enjoyed Staffordshire cheese, buying it from local shops and at markets. It was really interesting to hear how the origins date back to Cistercian monks who settled in the Moorlands in the 13th century and how only the milk and cream from cows grazing on local, limestone pastures are used to produce Staffordshire Cheese, creating the distinctive texture and flavour.
I was particularly pleased that Staffordshire Cheese Co came to Parliament last year when we marked Staffordshire Day with a showcase of the best that our county has to offer. The Staffordshire Cheese stall was very popular with my colleagues at that event.
The phrase, A Baker, a Baker, our Kingdom for a Baker, was the inspiration for Matt and Clare to found their artisan bakery, Live Love Loaf in Leek, which has won the Best Regional Bakery award for several years running. I know I am not alone in being a fan and particularly remember the long queues during lockdown collecting pre-ordered bread.
The freshly baked bread is absolutely delicious and sells out very quickly. From delicious sourdough to incredible focaccia, it’s always hard to decide what to choose. There are also delicious pastries and cakes and you can enjoy coffee and sandwiches from the No 5 deli next door. The couple also run courses in their bakery in Bath Street such as how to make Italian breads and pizza or wonderful sourdough bread.
Two amazing local food producers and both great Reasons to Visit the Moorlands!
