Charles Martell & Son Limted

Charles Martell & Son Ltd

Hunts Court,
Brooms Green,
Dymock GL18 2DP

Customer Enquiry

++44 (0)1531 890637

Charles Martell & Son Ltd

Hunts Court,
Brooms Green,
Dymock GL18 2DP

Customer Enquiry

++44 (0)1531 890637

Frequently Asked Questions

Always wondered where Stinking Bishop gets its smell from? How it’s made? Or what to eat it with? We’ve got all your questions covered.

Charles’ Q&A on Stinking Bishop


Click on each question below to view Charles’ answers

Where can I buy Stinking Bishop?

As a handmade, artisan cheese, you won’t find Stinking Bishop in supermarkets. We do however, have over 130 stockists (and counting!) across the UK. You’ll find us in artisan food stores, in delicatessens and even in Selfridges and Harrods – you’ll find your local stockists here. Or you can buy on-line and have your Stinking Bishop delivered straight to the door!

What does Stinking Bishop taste like?

Despite the pungent smell, Stinking Bishop is a surprisingly mellow cheese. It’s a full fat, pasteurised cows’ milk soft cheese made with vegetarian rennet, and has a soft, creamy texture.

Where does the smell come from?

The smell comes from washing the rind of the cheese in Perry. This encorages bacteria which maybe a unique variety to our “caves” (maturing rooms) and is what gives it its characteristic flavour, brown/pink rind and powerful smell.

Why is it called Stinking Bishop?

The perry we use to wash the rind in is made from a range of pears found local to us, one of the varieties being ‘Stinking Bishop’ – we thought it was appropriate!

Where is it made?

Hunts Court Farm in Gloucestershire, England has been the home of Stinking Bishop Cheese since it began being produced in 1994. It’s a working farm and is the home of many other homemade products, including a range of other cheeses and spirits.

Who makes Stinking Bishop?

Charles Martell – a Gloucester farmer is the father of Stinking Bishop cheese. He ignited his love for local produce on his farm using his own cattle after returning home from Cardiff University, and has been making it ever since.

What goes well with Stinking Bishop?

The creamy, mellow taste of Stinking Bishop means it goes with so many things. Enjoy it on a thick slice of crusty bread, in recipes involving pears or on a cheeseboard with some Stilton. You can read more about Stinking Bishop cheeseboards here or get some inspiration for sandwich fillings here. And there are a few of our favourite recipes:

  • Stinking Butternuts
  • Pumpkin and Stinking Bishop Risotto