Say cheese. . . it’s Corrie’s Martin

Photo: WORDS AND PICTURE by KEN BENNETT

CHEESE PLEASE . . . Actor Sean Wilson with two of his new cheeses and White Hart head chef Paul Cookson

Former Coronation Street star Sean Wilson is to play a brand new real life role as a Saddleworth cheesemaker.

Sean, who played Martin Platt in the hit soap for 10 years, has developed a new business making artisan cheeses — which are already receiving rave reviews from foodies.

And some of the cheeses from his newly-launched Saddleworth Cheese Company will make their debut when the White Hart at Lydgate stages a wine tasting evening on Thursday, July 16.

Sean (44), was born in Ashton and now lives in Saddleworth.

He said: “My cheeses have a distinctive character and feature locally-sourced ingredients. I have designed the labels to incorporate some of Saddleworth’s famous landmarks including Pots and Pans and Indian’s Head.

“I chose the names of the cheeses — Muldoon’s Picnic and Smelly Apeth — from local expressions that were part of my childhood.”

Sean, a keen chef all his life, makes his own sausages and black puddings and received encouragement for his new venture from Bob Kitchen, one of the country’s master cheesemakers, who lives in Lancashire.

Sean said: “There is a real passion to get younger people into the art cheesemaking.

“I wanted to launch something that was very Lancashire and full of character.

“I am the only cheesemaker in Saddleworth and I have developed my own crumbly, tasty and distinctive blue cheeses. I am really looking forward to the wine tasting to let the public sample them.”

Paul Cookson, the White Hart’s head chef, said: “Sean has produced some lovely cheeses. Cheese is a big favourite with our guests and I am sure his will be a big hit.”

Meanwhile, discerning drinkers will be able to cool down with unique ice-cold vodkas from the world’s top distillery.

The huge range of uniquely flavoured vodkas include liquorice, ginger, coffee, lemon, vanilla, caramel, peach, mandarin, blackcurrant, melon and green apple.

Neil Monyard, who imports the vodkas from Grey Goose in France, said: “The vodkas have unique depth and range — it’s the first time Saddleworth people will have been able to sample such a diverse offering.”


The Saddleworth Wine Tasting takes place on July 16, 7pm-10pm at the White Hart at Lydgate.

Tickets, which cost £10, include a glass of wine on arrival, and a choice of tastings including oysters, tapas, sausages and cheese.

To book call 01457 872566 or email bookings@thewhitehart.co.uk  or Winos, George Street, Oldham