By George Shaw
Big Cheese, a new independent cheese store, has opened its doors to customers on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street, in time for the city’s Festival, which contiinues until 24th Augst and attracts up to 4.5 million visitors from 70 countries world wide.
The shop stocks over 50 varieties of fine cheese from around Scotland, the rest of the UK and continental Europe.
Around half of the cheeses at The Big Cheese are not currently available to buy from any of Edinburgh’s other speciality cheese shops.
Classic staple varieties include Isle of Mull cheddar, Gubbeen and parmesan, as well as gorgonzola soft enough to serve with an ice cream scoop.
More unique varieties are smoked over whisky barrel chips, washed in red wine or brandy, or coated with garlic, herbs or chilli.
Owner, Neil Cunningham, said: ” We could never have imagined how many people have come out to support us so far. Seeing such an amazing turnout has been incredibly encouraging and made us realise we’ve done the right thing by bringing The Big Cheese to Broughton Street.
“We want The Big Cheese to be far more than just an artisan cheese store. We 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.”
The Big Cheese team also includes cheesemonger, Aidan McKinlay; and head cheesemonger, Mia Cowie.
Mia began her career in cheese over ten years ago when she was just 17, and immediately fell in love with the fascinating world of farmhouse cheese and artisan produce. With over a decade of cheese retail experience, Mia is now working alongside owner, Neil Cunningham, to create a welcoming and exploratory space to serve Edinburgh a bold and ever-evolving cheese selection.
Commenting on the launch of The Big Cheese, head cheesemonger Mia Cowie, said: “We’re passionate about championing small-scale cheesemakers and giving innovative producers a platform to bring new ideas to market. We want cheese-lovers to have the opportunity to discover something extraordinary and, in some cases, be among the very first to taste a new creation.
“Alongside the finest established cheeses, we are constantly seeking out exciting new producers, flavours, and styles to share with our customers.
“At The Big Cheese, discovery is as important as tradition. Our mission is to celebrate great cheesemaking in all its forms and to bring the very best artisan cheeses to our community.
“At The Big Cheese, we work with trusted producers to bring customers timeless-classics, rare finds, and seasonal specialities. Whether you’re eager to try something completely new or searching for the finishing touch that transforms a favourite recipe, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of exceptional cheeses in the store.
“What makes artisan cheese so special is not just the product itself, but the people behind it. They come with character and a sense of place, and often the milk travels only a few miles from the field before it is made into cheese – providing a genuine connection between the land, the maker, and the final product.”
Mia’s personal choice of artisan cheese for the launch of ‘The Big Cheese’ includes Stithians from Lynher Dairy in Cornwall, which also makes nettle-wrapped Cornish Yarg, Wild Garlic Yarg and Cornish Kern. The Cornish dairy makes all its cheeses by hand using milk from its own herd of Ayrshire cows, as well as milk from other trusted farms in Cornwall. Stithians is a bright, savoury cheese with a rich, creamy rounded flavour and a clean tang.
Mia has also handpicked St Cera, a washed rind cheese from Norfolk; Pevensey Blue, a rich and juicy blue from East Sussex; and a raw milk Camembert de Normandie – a rare find these days.
When available, seasonal cheeses will take centre stage throughout the year, alongside a range of complementary products, including freshly baked bread, crackers, chutney, olives, wine, and cheese books.
Ongoing tasting events will also be staged at the new Broughton Street store to help enhance the customer experience and introduce Edinburgh’s cheese lovers to new and unique varieties.
The Big Cheese is located at the east side of Edinburgh’s New Town, which is already well known for small, independent and artisan food and drink stores.
