This article is sponsored by The Cheeseboard.
The Cheeseboard, based on Harrogate’s Commercial Street, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month.
The independent shop stocks more than 200 types of speciality cheese from Yorkshire and across the world, as well as a full range of condiments such as crackers, preserves, oils and vinegars.
Gemma Aykroyd has been the owner of The Cheeseboard for 21 years – making her the longest running of the shop’s four owners. She said:
“Not much has changed over forty years, except that cheese ranges have expanded so we’ve got more products. We’re still an independent shop with an emphasis on customer service, we still have lots of fun, and we still get to know our customers like our friends.
“Especially when you walk around the high street and see how shops have struggled in the last few years, it’s amazing that we’ve reached our fortieth year in such tough times. I’d say it’s probably down to our friendly customer service, professionalism and loyal customers who keep coming back.”
Customer favourites sold at The Cheeseboard include a local Pateley Bridge raw milk Wensleydale from Stonebeck, and Blue 61, an Italian blue cheese steeped in local wine and topped with berries. Not to be missed is Yorkshire cheesemaker Cryer and Stott’s Endeavour, a soft cheese made with Masons tea infused Yorkshire gin.
Of course, The Cheeseboard doesn’t just sell cheese. Truffle honey, which is drizzled over hard cheeses (particularly salty cheese like pecorino) always goes down a treat, and the lovely range of boards and hampers make fantastic gifts.
For the shop’s 40th anniversary on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 December, customers can join in the celebrations by sampling a range of cheeses and enjoying a complimentary glass of fizz. There will also be a lucky dip box, with prizes ranging from truckles of cheese, to vouchers, to a discount off your shop.
You don’t need to wait until December for a chance to win though. Any customers who place their Christmas order before the end of November will be entered into a special prize draw, where three lucky winners will get their order for free!