Longmans since 1880 logo in a dark bold font and grey background.
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LONGMANS LEGACY OUR HISTORY

From a quiet move to North Leaze Farm in 1880 to a celebrated name on cheeseboards nationwide, Longmans has matured like the finest farmhouse cheese—patient, layered and rich. What began as a modest family farm grew into a 26‑farm dairy renowned for cloth‑bound Cheddar, Red Leicester and Double Gloucester, a legacy started by William Hunt Longman MBE. Five generations later the family expanded the range with award‑winning cheeses while maintaining traditional craftsmanship. Now part of The Fine Food Company, the Longmans legacy continues with its heritage and flavours still at the heart of every wheel and block!

Black and white photo showing the old farm at North Leaze.

The Longman family moves from North Cadbury to North Leaze Farm in Somerset.

1880
Longmans history photo showing five cows in a field looking at camera.

William Hunt Longman, the third generation of the family, is the driving force behind the business, expanding it into a farming empire that reaches 26 farms at its peak in the mid‑1970s.

All the milk produced is turned into cheese, with the Longmans name becoming synonymous with premium, artisan cloth‑bound Cheddar, Red Leicester and Double Gloucester made using traditional techniques.

Recognised for his services to cheesemaking, William Hunt Longman was awarded an MBE for modernising and industrialising cheese production.

1970
Historic photo of Richard Longman cutting a variety of cheeses in different sizes.

Sarai Longman, the fifth generation, purchases Longmans Cheese Sales Limited from her father, Richard, the former president of Farmhouse Cheesemakers.

1999
A collection of Longmans salted butter won in the International Cheese and Dairy Awards.

Longmans butter is awarded Best Butter at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards, later winning again in 2017.

2013
Chris Slocombe joins the business. Pictured with Sarai Longman at the World Cheese Awards.

Chris Slocombe, Sarai’s husband, joins the business when turnover had reached £9 million, overseeing cutting and packing of a wide range of the company’s exclusive artisan cheeses and butters.

2014
Greens of Glastonbury range on a rustic wooden board.

Longmans acquired the Green's of Glastonbury cheese brand, which had previously been cut and packed by Lloyd Green at Old Farm in West Pennard.

2015
Two sets of twanger cheese from Green’s of Glastonbury on a wooden table.

Green's of Glastonbury Twanger is created after Chris spotted a market gap for a Cheddar‑style cheese with a bit more “twang” and pronounced flavour. The cheese went on to win Bronze at the British Cheese Awards in 2022 and 2026.

Latterly Longmans launches cheese brands, Bruton Brie and Yarlington Blue.

 
2017
Sarai wins the lifetime achievement award at the British Cheese Awards. Here she’s holding the award alongside colleagues.

Sarai wins the lifetime achievement award at the British Cheese Awards before retiring and selling the business. Chris remains a Director within the business and oversees all products within the Longman Family.

 
2025
Two photos merged, The Fine Food Co van next to a selection of butters and bead.

Longmans joins forces with Somerset-based wholesaler The Fine Food Company, and its Longman Salted Butter takes home Gold at The British Cheese Awards.

 
 
2026