6 of the best cheesemongers in the Midlands

Slap, bang in the middle of England, the Midlands is home to a vibrant foodie culture spread across no less than 12 counties. From the beautiful Peak District to the historic hometown of Shakespeare to the bustling urban centre of Birmingham, there is plenty to keep you busy, whether you’re visiting on a weekend break or call one of its many towns and cities home.

And it’s no surprise that the home of Stilton cheese has some brilliant cheesemongers for you to explore, boasting passionate owners, unique flavours and a real community feeling.

Here’s our pick of six of the very best cheese shops in the Midlands.

St Giles Cheese, Northampton

The fine food industry is home to a great number of food lovers whose passion at first outweighs their industry expertise and professional prowess, but they often go on to found some of the UK’s most inspiring businesses. Take Steve and Caroline Ward of St Giles Cheese as an example.  

Having returned home to Northampton from a trip to France and missing the delights of the country’s fromagerie and deli scene, the husband-and-wife team decided to set up shop themselves. “It was all set up in a rush during the summer of 2010, with zero food industry experience – we were enthusiastic amateurs at best!” begins Steve. They may have been learning on the job, but that didn’t slow their mission down. “From finding a suitable premises to doors opening took just 12 weeks. We opened on a shoestring budget, in the pit of a global recession in a declining town centre. We were doomed to fail.” Spoiler: they did not.  

The fine food sector thrives on connections and customer experience, and at St Giles Cheese “it’s all about the personal service,” says Steve. “Over the years we have become friends with many of our customers. Each week, we remember what each of our regulars was up to last week, and what they like or are not fond of – one finds oneself building a mental flavour profile for each of these customers. There then comes a point when you can recommend a cheese without even given a taster, such is that customer’s confidence you’ll pick the right one.” 

The Old Cheese Shop, Hartington

Taking on an established cheese-selling business has its pros and cons, but the current owners of The Old Cheese Shop have proven themselves to be more than up to the challenge. After over 50 years servicing the local community, the shop has grown from an outlet selling Stilton made in the factory nearby to a shop selling a selection of British cheeses and accompaniments. “Our family took on the business in June 2020,” begins Amanda Roberts, owner, “and all members of the family are involved, including my parents who tend to the beautiful picnic garden attached to the shop.” 

The village of Hartington has been associated with cheese production since the 1870s, and this long heritage has led to it becoming one of the foremost destinations for cheese lovers from around the world. “The cheese shop has been open for so long that it has become iconic,” says Amanda, “and we have visitors from all over the world saying they have heard about us and just had to visit. We must be one of the most photographed shops in Derbyshire, and we have families that have been visiting us for generations coming on what they call their ‘cheese pilgrimage’.”  

Amanda and her family have successfully brought this heritage business into the 21st Century. “The building has been extended and updated, and we dragged the decor out of the 1980s and gave it a contemporary look whilst keeping the traditional theme. We are now so proud of our beautiful shop and gorgeous garden.” Of course, such triumphs do not come without the hard graft of a dedicated team. “We have a great team around us that all pull together to make the shop the great success that it is – we are proud of each and every one of them.”  

Rennet & Rind, Stamford

There aren’t many businesses that can claim to be award-winning from when they very first opened their doors, but Stamford’s Rennet & Rind set the trend. CEO and affineur, Perry Wakeman, was named the inaugural Affineur of the Year in 2022 (an accolade he has since won a further two times), and his “journey in cheese maturation” has led to the shop being a beacon for British artisan cheese. 

“Our distinctiveness lies in our unwavering commitment to British artisan cheese,” explains Perry. “We don’t just sell cheese; we mature it, enhancing the unique flavours and honouring the traditions and innovations of British cheesemakers.” The Stamford shop showcases a handpicked selection of British cheeses expertly nurtured in Rennet & Rind’s Cambridge-based maturing rooms. Indeed, as Perry explains, “Our specialisation in affinage sets us apart in the cheese community.” 

It‘s not only in the field of affinage that Rennet & Rind stands apart from the crowd. Education is also key to the team’s approach, with staff investing time in each customer to ensure that they come away with not only a top-notch experience, but knowledge too. “We surprise our new customers with our generous tastings, embodying our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to explore and learn about British artisan cheese,” says Perry. “Our approach isn’t just about selling cheese; it’s about educating and sharing our passion. Each customer receives a one-to-one tasting experience, where a dedicated Rennet & Rind cheesemonger guides them through our selection, tailoring suggestions based on their preferences and building a profile of cheeses that suit their palate.” 

The Cheese Society, Lincoln

The Cheese Society began as a solely mail order business. Founder Kate O’Meara had prior experience in the fine food retail sphere; prior to setting up The Cheese Society she had owned a delicatessen – where the cheese element of the business was her greatest passion – and when a site became available she decided to blend online and bricks and mortar to great effect.  

The relationship between shopper and seller is key to the success of The Cheese Society, and the team takes their responsibility of making fine cheese approachable to all seriously. “Specialist products like cheese and wine can be daunting,” says Lucie, “but everyone knows what they enjoy when they taste it. We always offer tasters in our shop; try before you buy is essential, and there is no right or wrong when it comes to flavours – everyone can taste slightly different profiles and nuances in the cheeses they try.” 

Offering a friendly and approachable service is at the heart of The Cheese Society, and the team prides itself on having positive and supportive relationships with customers and suppliers alike. “One of our main points of focus is to make each day at The Cheese Society as friendly and enjoyable as we can,” says Lucie. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously, however we take our cheese very seriously indeed!” 

The Cheese Shop, Nottingham

Brothers Webb and Rob Freckingham are co-directors of The Cheese Shop, but it’s Webb’s face that’s perhaps most recognised, as he’s known to locals as Doctor Cheese, regularly recording social videos championing the latest cheeses to arrive at the shop.

The range of cheeses available is always being added to, including lots of regular favourites customers have come to rely on over the last two decades – including (being in prime Stilton country) the very best blue cheese, sourced from Colston Bassett and Cropwell Bishop – cut by hand, and sold alongside numerous accompaniments.

The Cheese Locker, Rugeley

For fine food businesses across the UK – from retailers to producers, distributors and everything in between – customer service is king. It’s a well-known and proven philosophy that the greater the level of customer service you provide, the higher the number of return custom and satisfied customers. For Alex Hunt, owner of The Cheese Locker, this well-worn adage has proven true. 

In 2021, during his degree, Alex decided to open The Cheese Locker as an “exciting venture” to further his own skills. As the founder and sole employee of the business, he is supported by his family in his mission to educate his local community about the very best cheeses from nearby cheesemakers and beyond. 

“I believe my customer service is what helps me stand out as I provide an informative service about the cheese I supply,” Alex begins. Vitally, he recognises that this is not a process that can be rushed. 

Alex is passionate about introducing his customer base to a wide range of cheeses, and in doing so creating an “exciting and adventurous atmosphere.”