World Cup of Cheese: Semi Finals Set as the Final Four Are Confirmed

After weeks of giant killings, dramatic upsets and passionate voting from cheese lovers across the country, the World Cup of Cheese has reached its semi-final stage.

From an original field of 32 exceptional cheeses, just four remain in contention for the title.

Gruyère Premier Cru. Old Groendal. Barkham Blue. Baby Yorkshire Blue.

It has been a tournament full of surprises. Crowd favourites have fallen, local heroes have emerged and blue cheeses have proved almost impossible to stop. Now, with only two matches separating these contenders from lifting the trophy, every vote matters more than ever.

There is also an intriguing national story developing. England has two cheeses still in the competition, and remarkably, both are blue. Standing in their way are a beautifully matured Swiss Gruyère and one of Belgium's finest farmhouse goudas, making this a genuinely international battle for cheese supremacy.

The semi-finals will once again be played across our shops, giving customers the chance to taste each match-up before casting their vote.

Semi Final One

Thursday 16th July

Baby Yorkshire Blue vs Gruyère Premier Cru

Hosted simultaneously at our Jermyn Street and Chelsea Green shops.

Semi Final Two

Friday 17th July

Old Groendal vs Barkham Blue

Hosted simultaneously at our Bath and Canterbury shops.

Can't Make It to a Match? Become a Home Judge.

This year, the tournament doesn't stop at our shop doors.

To celebrate the Final Four, we're launching a limited-edition World Cup of Cheese Semi Final Box, allowing cheese lovers across the UK to take part from home.

The box contains all four remaining cheeses:

• 150g Gruyère Premier Cru
• 150g Old Groendal
• 150g Barkham Blue
• One whole Baby Yorkshire Blue

Every box also includes free UK delivery and, most importantly, an exclusive online voting link, allowing you to taste each cheese before casting your vote from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you're supporting the English blues, backing Belgium, or convinced Swiss precision will prevail, your vote will help decide who reaches the Grand Final.

The Final Awaits

The World Cup of Cheese Final will take place on Saturday 18th July across all four Paxton & Whitfield shops.

Customers visiting our shops will once again be able to taste both finalists and vote in person, while everyone who has purchased the Semi Final Box will also receive the exclusive online voting link to ensure supporters from across the country can have their say.

Who will lift the trophy?

Will the English blues complete an extraordinary run?

Can Gruyère Premier Cru continue its composed march through the tournament?

Or will Old Groendal prove that Belgium produces more than world-class footballers?

One thing is certain. After weeks of fiercely contested matches, we're down to the very best.

The final whistle is almost here.