Chapter House Cheese and Onion Chutney recognised at the county’s leading food and drink awards
Buckfast Abbey, Buckfast, Devon, October 2026 – Buckfast Abbey is delighted to announce that two products from the monks’ own range, Monks’ Kitchen, have been recognised at the 2026 Food Drink Devon Awards, with the Abbey’s Chapter House Cheese awarded Gold and its Onion Chutney awarded Silver.
The winners were announced at a black-tie ceremony at Sandy Park, Exeter, on Monday 5 October, as the awards celebrated their 15th year of championing the very best of Devon’s food and drink.
The Gold-winning Chapter House Cheese is handmade with milk from Jersey cows and crafted by the monks in partnership with Sharpham Dairy. A rustic-style cheese, it has a light tang that balances the richness of the milk, developing a nutty flavour as it matures.
The Silver-winning Onion Chutney is made with tonic wine, giving it a rich, distinctive depth of flavour. It is a natural partner for Buckfast Beef and makes an excellent accompaniment to a cheeseboard.
With 280 products entered in this year’s product awards, competition was strong, making the recognition a proud moment for Buckfast Abbey and for everyone involved in bringing these products to life.
Tim Wigley, Commercial Produce Manager at Buckfast Abbey said:
“We’re thrilled that both the Chapter House Cheese and the Onion Chutney have been recognised this year. These products are made with real care, and these awards are a wonderful tribute to the monks, our team and our partners at Sharpham Dairy. It’s especially rewarding to be celebrated alongside so many talented Devon producers.”
Fr Gregory added:
“Making the Chapter House Cheese has been a true collaboration, bringing together time-honoured craft and the very best of South Devon’s milk. To see it awarded Gold is a real joy, and we hope even more people will now discover it.”
Both award-winning products are available to buy from the Abbey Shop and soon available online. Both products feature on the menu at our hotel restaurant, San Benedetto’s where they are served as part of a growing celebration of the monks’ own produce.