Paxton & Whitfield, cheesemonger, might claim to be more historic than its clothing neighbours Crockett, Hackette or Floris perfumes. The long history of selling cheese stretches back to a market stall in Aldwych run by Stephen Cullen. His son Sam first opened the shop near Piccadilly (the name refers to the picadills that were the neck ruffs worn at court and made nearby). Sam took in two partners in Harry Paxton and Charles Whitfield. That was 1797. The shop has been independent ever since. It received a royal warrant from Queen Victoria in 1850. In the 1930s they were selling 2,000 Stiltons through October and November. There were hard times in the wars, then afterwards farmers sold their milk to factories rather than cheesemakers. For a while the shop become a general grocery, until it returned to its founding mission as a champion of British curds and whey. You can also find European cheeses, supplied via the Parisian factor Androuet.
Online has been a boon – the web site is a treasure of all things cheesey. As you expect it is a top drawer resource, even online courses, a cheese wedding cake (!), even waxed paper sheets, five for £1.50 for keeping the cheddar in top condition. And an academy. And a cheese club. The Truly Great British selection includes Stilton, Driftwood, Montgomery’s Cheddar and Tunworth with overnight delivery for £42. Fondue set, yes, Raclette heaters, yes, Camembert bakers yes, even a top end Claude Dozorme knife, forged in the Auvergne in the same factory since 1902, £100. “Exceptionally functional”, it says.
Paxton & Whitfield – London Jermyn Street
93 Jermyn Street,
London
SW1Y 6JE
Monday: 10:00 – 18:30
Tuesday: 10:00 – 18:30
Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:30
Thursday: 10:00 – 18:30
Friday: 10:00 – 18:30
Saturday: 10:00 – 18:30
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
