Emma Mykytyn The Big Cheese to open on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street
A new independent cheese shop is preparing to open on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street, bringing more than 50 carefully selected cheeses to the city in time for the Edinburgh Festival. The Big Cheese will welcome its first customers on Saturday, 1 August, at its new home at 27 Broughton Street in Edinburgh’s New Town.
The shop’s opening range will feature artisan cheeses from Scotland, elsewhere in the UK and continental Europe. Around half of the cheeses are believed to be unavailable from Edinburgh’s other specialist cheese retailers, giving customers the chance to discover something a little different.
Artisan cheese from Scotland and beyond
The selection will include familiar favourites alongside more unusual varieties smoked over whisky barrel chips, washed in red wine or brandy, or coated in garlic, herbs and chilli.
Classic cheeses will include Isle of Mull cheddar, Gubbeen farmhouse cheese, Parmesan and an exceptionally soft Gorgonzola that can be served using an ice cream scoop.
The range will change throughout the year, with seasonal cheeses introduced alongside complementary products such as crackers, chutneys, olives, wine and books about cheese.
Personal service at The Cheese Board
A bespoke quartz-topped counter, known as The Cheese Board, will take centre stage inside the shop. Customers will be able to have their chosen cheeses freshly cut and wrapped while receiving friendly, knowledgeable advice.
The team will help shoppers find cheeses to suit their tastes, whether they are creating a cheeseboard, planning a dinner party, choosing a gift or simply looking to try something new.
Regular tasting events are also planned, introducing Edinburgh’s cheese lovers to new producers, flavours and lesser-known varieties.
A new independent business for Broughton Street
The Big Cheese is the first independent business from Edinburgh entrepreneur Neil Cunningham, who is leaving behind a 25-year corporate career in London and Edinburgh to follow his passion for artisan cheese.
Neil is launching the shop with the support of his husband, Nick Gulliver, and hopes to create more than a traditional cheese retailer.
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 an 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 becomes part of local community life in the neighbourhood I call home.”
Neil hopes the store’s welcoming approach will encourage experienced cheese lovers to become more adventurous while also helping people who are new to artisan cheese feel comfortable asking questions and exploring the range.
He added:
“Our specially designed store will create a warm and welcoming environment for Edinburgh’s cheese lovers to discover new and unique varieties for every occasion. I also want to introduce new audiences to artisan cheese for the first time.”
Neil thanked his husband Nick for his ongoing support, as well as Kay Bennet for the shop’s design and branding and Ian Jow of Jow Property Services for completing the shop fitting.
The Big Cheese will create four new jobs, including a position for shop manager Mia Cowie.
The Big Cheese location
The shop is located at 27 Broughton Street, on the eastern side of Edinburgh’s New Town.
Broughton Street is already known for its independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. Nearby dining destinations include Vinette, L’Escargot Bleu, The Broughton and Michelin-recognised restaurant Lucky Yu.
The Big Cheese will open from Tuesday to Sunday.
