British-Made Food and Drink Brands That Should Be On Your Radar
- Let's Buy British
- May 7
- 10 min read
After a long weekend of joyous May Day celebrations, there’s no better way to ease into the new season than by discovering some of the finest food and drink our isles have to offer. From handcrafted cheeses to small-batch spirits and sweet treats made with love, Britain is bursting with exceptional producers who deserve a spot on your radar.
One perfect way to sample these delights is by visiting local food markets and this weekend, the Let's Buy British team did just that. We made our way to the Spring Fine Food Market at the historic Burghley House, a firm favourite in our annual calendar alongside their much-loved Summer and Christmas markets.
Set within the stunning Chestnut and Stable Courtyards, this event celebrates the best of local and artisan makers. Whether you’re looking to indulge in global street food, sip on locally brewed beverages or stock up on rare breed meats and handmade delicacies, it’s a true feast for the senses. Plus, it's set against the backdrop of one of England’s most iconic stately homes, making it a wonderful day out for all the family.
So, without further ado, here are the standout British-made food and drink brands we discovered at Burghley that you’ll want to have on your radar this season.
Nestled in the heart of Lincolnshire, The Mouse House Cheese Company is a proudly family-run business with a passion for crafting exceptional British cheese. Founded in 2018 by mother-and-daughter duo Erika and Mollie, the company operates from Lymn Bank Farm, where all their cheeses are handmade, and even traditionally smoked, on-site. Today, Mollie continues to lead the brand with energy and creativity, supported by a growing team at their production site in Skegness and their charming shop on Lincoln’s historic Steep Hill.
From farm to fork, The Mouse House is committed to quality, tradition and bold flavours. Their range includes a mix of award-winning favourites and adventurous blends like the zesty Lemon Cheesecake Cheddar. We’ve long been fans of their striking Black as Coal truckle, infused with activated charcoal, but this time, one cheese truly stole the show: The Guru.
This vibrant Red Leicester, infused with mango chutney and nigella seeds, is a unique fusion of sweet, savoury and aromatic flavours. Whether it’s the centrepiece of your next cheeseboard, stirred into pasta, paired with curry or melted onto a burger at your next BBQ, The Guru is a conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The next ones up on our list to try are the Ale & Mustard Cheddar, Two Smoking Barrels Cheddar and the Orange & Whisky Cheddar. If you’re after distinctive, versatile flavours that go beyond the ordinary, The Mouse House Cheese Company is the company to check out. View their range here to find your favourite.
When it comes to transforming everyday meals into something special, the Lincolnshire Drizzle Company does it brilliantly. This family-run brand is passionate about creating healthy, flavour-packed dressings, marinades and sauces all made using their award-winning cold-pressed rapeseed oil from R.G. Taylor & Sons, grown in the rich Lincolnshire Wolds. Naturally low in saturated fat and rich in Omega 3, 6 & 9 and vitamin E, their unrefined oil keeps all the goodness intact meaning no additives, just real, wholesome flavour.
We’ve been fans of the Lincolnshire Drizzle Company for years, especially after discovering them at Burghley’s Fine Food Markets. A few of our absolute favourites are: The Moroccan Marinade which is a bold, sticky, North African-inspired blend that’s perfect for chicken or lamb on the grill. We use it religiously on griddled chicken and trust us, it's top-tier.
Then there’s the Raspberry & Mint Dressing, a fruity, tangy delight that adds instant vibrancy to salads. Drizzled over crumbly cheese and fresh greens, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sharp. I (Hannah) swear by this all summer long as unlike many store-bought dressings, it’s gentle on the stomach due to the natural ingredients.
New to us this year is the Spicy BBQ Sauce & Marinade, which delivers that perfect sticky-sweet hit with a smoky kick ideal for ribs, sausages or a weekend BBQ feast. And finally, the Indian Spiced Sauce & Marinade is a total game-changer. Fragrant with Kashmiri herbs and spices, it’s warm and deeply aromatic without being too fiery, perfect for flavour lovers who like a milder kick.
Whether you’re marinating meats, dressing up your grains or drizzling over salads, the Lincolnshire Drizzle Company offers a deliciously healthy way to elevate your meals naturally. Shop their range.
Based at Lyveden Farm in the beautiful Nene Valley, Mee Blueberries is a shining example of modern British farming with strong family roots. Run by husband and wife duo Peter and Zoe Mee, alongside their children Charlie and Emily (and partners), the business has transformed from a traditional arable farm into an award-winning, diversified enterprise winning Family Farming Business of the Year at the 2022 British Farming Awards.
We’ve been fans of Mee Blueberries for a while now and every time we try something new, we fall more in love with the brand. Their 100% Blueberry Juice, free from added sugar or preservatives, is bursting with antioxidants and recently earned a two-star Great Taste Award. It’s refreshing, pure and incredibly versatile.
Next up is their beautifully unique Blueberry & Lavender Jam a countryside-inspired blend that’s perfect on toast, scones or even layered into a Victoria sponge, which we cannot wait to try. Delicately floral, it’s a conversation starter for any breakfast table or gift hamper.
For those celebratory moments, their Blueberry Bliss Sparkling Wine, crafted using the traditional method with help from Biddenden Vineyards, offers elegance and freshness in every sip. Even the sparkling wine sceptics on our team were converted!
And finally, the newest addition: Blueberry Honey. Harvested from bees brought in during the pollination window, this honey captures the very essence of the farm’s blueberries. It’s subtly fruity, naturally sweet and according to our team’s biggest honey fan, it's completely addictive.
From juice and jam to wine and honey, Mee Blueberries continues to impress with their innovation, quality and love for the land. Shop their full range here.
Born out of a love story and steeped in English heritage, St Maur Elderflower Liqueur is the creation of William and Kelsey Seymour, the Earl and Countess of Yarmouth. Originally made for their wedding day, St Maur was crafted to celebrate a moment of pure joy, shared with loved ones. Wanting a drink that felt meaningful and personal, they turned to old family recipes and created something truly unique, a spirit that would embody celebration, connection, and timeless elegance.
Named after their family’s ancient lineage, and made with wild elderflowers foraged from the Seymour estate in Warwickshire, St Maur is deeply rooted in provenance. The coordinates on the label even lead you to an elder grove in Ladies Wood, part of their historic family woodlands.
Handcrafted and sustainably made in the Heart of England, St Maur Elderflower Liqueur is delicately floral, refreshingly light, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're sipping it straight, pouring it over ice, or blending it into a cocktail, this liqueur brings elegance and charm to any occasion.
It's no surprise St Maur has been internationally recognised, winning multiple prestigious awards including World’s Best Floral Liqueur at the 2024 World Drinks Awards and a 2-star rating from the Great Taste Awards.
We were instantly taken by its lightness and beautifully balanced flavour, perfect on its own, but I'm especially excited to experiment with it in cocktails. Expect to see it featured in spritzes, summer fizzes and maybe even a twist on a Sour or two! Pick up a bottle or a few here.
If you’re searching for your new favourite cheese, Lincolnshire Poacher deserves a top spot on your list. Handcrafted on a family-run farm perched on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, this award-winning cheese is a true expression of passion, heritage and place.
The journey began with Simon Jones, a fourth-generation farmer and cheesemaker. After returning from agricultural college, Simon was inspired by a visit to the South West and a hands-on cheesemaking course. In 1992, with guidance from Welsh cheesemaker Dougal Campbell, he crafted his first batch and Lincolnshire Poacher was born.
The Jones family farm, established in 1917, is set on lush, chalky pastures ideal for dairy cows in a region where dairy farming is rare. Today, nearly all of the farm’s milk is used to produce cheese, seven days a week.
Lincolnshire Poacher is their flagship cheese, matured for 14–16 months. It’s full-flavoured, rich and robust perfect on a cheeseboard or as a standout ingredient in your favourite recipes.
For something with an extra twist, try the Smoked Lincolnshire Poacher. Mature cheeses are cold-smoked over oak chips at a local smokehouse, infusing them with a subtle smokiness while preserving their signature depth and character.
We first discovered Lincolnshire Poacher at Burghley’s Christmas Market, and it was an instant hit, not just with us, but with family and friends too. It’s the kind of cheese that doesn’t last long in the fridge and always has you coming back for more. We’ve already restocked and we’re sure we’ll be doing so for years to come. Find your favourite here.
Born from a shared love of good food and a deep appreciation for authentic flavour, Yau’s was founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Bonnie and Philip Yau. What started as a way to support their Oriental food shop in Peterborough soon took on a life of its own, as more and more customers sought sauces that were clean-label, allergen-friendly and packed with flavour.
Drawing on their experience in the restaurant world, Bonnie and Philip recognised a gap in the market for high-quality Asian sauces free from artificial ingredients and safe for those with common allergies. Their mission was clear: create delicious, all-natural sauces that never compromise on taste or integrity.
We’ve been loyal fans of Yau’s for over three years now. It was the incredible flavour and quality that first hooked us, but what’s kept us coming back is how inclusive and thoughtful the range is, especially for friends and family with gluten or nut allergies.
We’ve tried a lot of the range, but these favourites stand out:
The Satay Sauce – Nut-free and made with organic pumpkin seeds, this award-winner is rich, flavourful and endlessly versatile, and is a family-wide favourite!
Mild Chinese Curry Sauce – A comforting, nostalgic take on chip shop curry, creamy, mild and addictive.
Ooozy Sweet Chilli Sauce – Sweetened naturally, this sauce has just the right kick and tastes amazing on everything from salads to dips, and is Sue's go-to.
Hot Bean Paste – Our latest find! Bonnie suggested trying it on toast with avocado and a fried egg, something we’d never have thought of, but can’t wait to try!
If you haven’t explored Yau’s yet, now’s the time. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or just want top-tier flavour, Yau’s delivers every time. Explore the range.
There’s something truly special about the moment you bite into a perfectly baked shortbread, crumbly, buttery and just the right amount of sweetness. New Forest Shortbread is the creation of Tracy Thew, who has been baking shortbread for family and friends for over 50 years. What started as a personal passion blossomed into a flourishing artisan brand in 2015 and is now loved by locals, visitors and food award judges alike.
From her kitchen at Burley Rails Cottage, Tracy and her small, all-female team handcraft each batch with care, using a traditional method that honours the heritage of this timeless treat. No two bakes are exactly the same and that’s part of the charm. Slight variations in mixing time and weight mean each piece of shortbread comes with its own unique colour and shape, delivering an authentic, homemade feel every time.
Tracy’s commitment to quality and flavour has paid off, with New Forest Shortbread scooping up multiple awards, including a Gold in the 2023 Great British Food Awards for the Original Shortbread and a Silver for the Lemon Flavoured Shortbread. From the classic buttery melt in your mouth classic to bold flavours like Lavender, Raspberry and Mozzo Coffee, every variety is rich, distinctive and most importantly delicious.
We couldn’t believe just how much actual flavour each shortbread delivered. The Lemon packs a punch, the Coffee has serious depth and the Lavender is so beautifully balanced, it even won over those of us who don’t usually go for floral flavours. Tracy’s shortbread isn’t just good, it’s unforgettable, and we can't wait to get our hands on the rest of the range.
What we love most about New Forest Shortbread is how personal it all feels. You can taste the care in every bite. This is more than just a sweet treat, it’s a lovingly made product that connects you to the people, place and passion behind it.
So whether you’re looking for a perfect gift, something to pair with your afternoon tea or a treat just for you, we highly recommend diving into New Forest Shortbread. Shop the range here.
Sometimes all it takes is one sip to change everything. Back in 2017, founder Mark took a reluctant sip of rum at a summer gathering and was instantly surprised this wasn’t the harsh, fiery spirit he remembered. It was smooth, full of flavour, and unlike anything he'd tasted before. That single moment sparked an unexpected obsession and, eventually, the start of something truly special.
Fast forward to 2020. With the aviation industry grounded and life taking a dramatic turn, Mark, supported by his partner Helen and their family, took the leap to create a rum that captured the essence of that first memorable sip. Not just any rum, but a genuinely handcrafted English rum with Norfolk character at its core.
We had the pleasure of trying several of the Norfolk Rum range and, put simply, they blew us away. We’ve tried a lot of rum over the years, but Norfolk Rum stands in a league of its own. And if you’ve ever written rum off entirely, this might just be the one to change your mind.
The Coconut Liqueur is a silky, tropical delight. Creamy, smooth and just the right amount of exotic. It's effortlessly indulgent served over ice, but mix it with pineapple juice and you’ve got a refreshingly light spin on a Piña Colada. Even our resident coconut-sceptic was completely won over.
And then there’s the Caramel Liqueur a rich, velvety infusion of golden caramel layered over Norfolk Rum’s signature smoothness. It’s decadent, comforting, and dangerously moreish. Honestly? It might just be the best caramel rum we’ve ever had.
Whether you’re rediscovering rum or falling in love with it for the first time, Norfolk Rum is the bottle you’ll reach for again and again. Discover the range.
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