New artisan cheese store opens in August

A new independent cheese store is set to open its doors to customers on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street on Saturday 1 August. 

The Big Cheese will initially stock over 50 varieties of fine cheese from around Scotland, the rest of the UK and continental Europe. 

Some of the cheeses to be stocked are smoked over whisky-barrel chips, washed in red wine or brandy, or coated with garlic, herbs or chilli.

Classic staple varieties include Isle of Mull cheddar, Gubbeen farmhouse cheese and parmesan, as well as gorgonzola soft enough to serve with an ice-cream scoop. 

Seasonal cheeses will also be available throughout the year, alongside a range of complementary products, including crackers, chutney, olives, wine and books about cheese. 

A bespoke, quartz-top serving counter ‘The Cheese Board’ will take centre stage in the middle of the store, where customers will have their cheese selection cut and wrapped.

Customers will also receive expert advice on choosing the perfect cheese to suit personal tastes and all occasions.  

Tasting events will also be staged at the store, to help enhance the customer experience and introduce Edinburgh’s cheese lovers to new and unique varieties.

Former commercial director and consultant, Neil Cunningham, is taking the plunge to open ‘The Big Cheese’ as his first independent business. 

Commenting on the launch of The Big Cheese, Neil said: “After 25 years working in the corporate world in London and Edinburgh, I can’t wait to launch my own independent business and nurture my passion for cheese right here in my hometown. This is the first time in my career that I feel like I’m doing something that is entirely personal and true to me.

“I’m proud to be unveiling a really exceptional range of cheeses from around Scotland and further afield - many of which are not currently available to buy from any of Edinburgh's other speciality cheese shops.

“I want The Big Cheese to be far more than just an artisan cheese store. I want to create a relaxed and personal customer experience and a venue that will be part of local community life in the neighbourhood I call home.

“Our specially designed store will create a warm and welcoming environment for Edinburgh’s cheese lovers to discover new and unique varieties for all occasions. I also want to attract new audiences to artisan cheese for the first time.”

Neil added: “The Big Cheese wouldn’t have been possible without the ongoing support of my husband, Nick. My thanks also go to our friends Kay Bennet for her design and branding work and Ian Jow from Jow Property Services for all the shop fitting.”

The Big Cheese is creating four new jobs, including shop manager, Mia Cowie.   

The store, which will open Tuesday to Sunday, is located at 27 Broughton Street at the east side of Edinburgh’s New Town, which is already well known for small, independent and artisan food and drink stores. 

Broughton Street is also a home to well-known Edinburgh restaurants such as Vinette, L’Escargot Bleu, The Broughton and the Michelin-acclaimed Lucky Yu.

www.thebigcheese.store