Cheesemonger Is Top Shop For Second Year

The shop was praised for its extensive selection of locally-sourced artisan cheeses, as well as owner Fiona Kay’s involvement in community food projects. “Winning last year was brilliant enough, but to win for a second year running is just a dream come true. We knew we were in the final three, but really didn’t expect to receive the award again,” says Ms Kay.

Cheese Please was heavily involved in last year’s Lewes October Feast – a ten-day celebration of Sussex foods – and even helped develop a special cheese, Bitter Queen Anne, for the event. The store also regularly works alongside Sussex brewer and wine merchant Harveys, offering tutored cheese and wine evenings to private parties and businesses.

“From the beginning, our ethos has always been to offer the best local produce in an accessible, friendly manner. We offer advice and information but also try to make our customers feel relaxed and comfortable; hopefully this is what the judges picked up on,” adds Ms Kay.

Plaw Hatch Farm Shop in Sharpthorne and the Sussex Produce Company in Steyning were runners up for ‘Best Food Shop’ award. Other winners on the night included Uckfield Farmers’ Market, Caroline’s Dairy and Tablehurst Farm.

“The Susex Food and Drink Awards celebrate the exceptional standards of quality and innovation that have taken the county’s producers into the top half of the UK’s ‘premier league’ for locally-produced food and drink,” said Clive Beddall OBE, chairman of the judges.

“This competition has raised the profile of an ever-growing variety of products from across the county and what has pleased me most this year is that more and more Sussex hotels, pubs and restaurants are highlighting local produce on their menus.”

The ceremony was held on Thursday 27th January at the East Sussex National Golf Resort & Spa near Uckfield.