New Honest burger aims to convert diners to the ‘blue side’

Honest Burgers has swapped Stilton for Blacksticks Blue cheese in a new partnership with fourth generation Lancashire family cheesemakers, Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses.

In a bid to raise the bar for foodies and convert more people to the ‘blue side’, Honest Burgers and Butlers are inviting diners to rethink any moldy misconceptions with a modern blue that proves there’s more to blue cheese than a standard Stilton.

In research carried out last year, Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses explored attitudes to blue cheese and found that 60% of adults are ‘grown up kids’ when it comes to trying it. 

The Lancashire cheesemakers found that a third of adults admitted to saying they don’t like blue cheese without having actually tried it, claiming that the way it looked (39%) and having mould on it (44%) as some of the reasons they avoid it.

But diners who want to try something new can now choose to top their classic Honest beef burger with a melted Blacksticks Blue mega slice, complete with its unmistakable amber hue, smooth, creamy texture and distinctive blue bite, handmade in Butlers’ Lancashire dairy.

The burger is simply made with a homemade red onion relish and lettuce, served with Honest’s signature homemade rosemary salted chips. 

It’s on the menu now at Honest Burgers Manchester, based on Bridge Street, and at restaurants nationwide and for online delivery.

“Our Blacksticks Blue cheeseburger is selling really well,” says sous chef Kris Coulton, who is also the creator of the local Wellington special only available in Manchester.

“I’m seeing a lot of double-ups with double beef and cheese. 

“I prefer Blacksticks over Stilton. It’s great for a cheese sauce and on the cheese board too. I love it. 

“If you find Stilton too strong, this might be the blue for you.”

Of the partnership and its commitment to working with British suppliers, Honest Burgers head of collaboration Adam Layton said: “The provenance, people and backstory behind a product are really important to us. 

“Butlers is a family dairy making quality farmhouse cheeses and Blacksticks Blue hits that sweet spot where it satisfies both blue cheese lovers and attracts those who might be scared off by stronger blues like stilton. 

“Blacksticks Blue can convert unbelievers to the blue side…”.

The thick 80mm round slices are cut from a whole, handmade cheese complete with edible rind and fit perfectly on a beef patty, melting in 30 seconds. 

Honest’s switch from bagged, crumbled Stilton to Blacksticks Blue slices reduces food waste and optimises preparation time.

And if you can’t get to an Honest restaurant, then ready-to-use Blacksticks Blue Mega Burger Slices, perfect for home cooking and BBQs, are available in Waitrose and Spar supermarkets nationally and online through the Butlers letterbox cheese store.

“We see time and time again that Blacksticks Blue hooks blue cheese fans in further and converts those who think they don’t like it,” said fourth generation cheese maker, Matthew Hall from Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses said. 

“It’s a unique, modern blue cheese and the best thing about this burger is that now even more people will be able to try it.

“We love working with Honest Burgers because like Blacksticks Blue, they’re bold, brave and push the boundaries in the name of great flavour. “