The award-winning cheese shop that will be opening before Christmas in this East Lothian seaside town

It’s the season for cheese shopping

The citizens of East Lothian will soon have an additional reason to brie happy.

That’s because The Cheese Lady, who has a branch in Haddington, is opening another outlet at 2a Church Road, North Berwick, on November 12. 

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It’s sure to be a popular destination, as this business is owned by Svetlana Kukharchuk, who won Scottish Business Woman of the Year at the National Business Women’s Awards 2023, was Scottish Regional Winner at the Farm Shop and Deli Retailer Awards 2022 and is the author of the Cheese Connoisseur's Handbook.

The new shop will offer her usual broad range of artisan fromage and deli items, just in time to raise the game of Christmas cheeseboards throughout the neighbourhood. We asked Kukharchuk to tell us more.

 Why North Berwick?

I adore North Berwick – it’s a charming town with a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and a delightful mix of independent businesses. It was recently named the best place to live in Scotland, and from a business perspective, it’s home to discerning customers who appreciate premium quality, especially when it comes to cheese. At The Cheese Lady, we not only offer an impressive range of cheeses, but their quality and the way we look after them is what sets us apart. All our cheeses are farmhouse and artisan, cut from the wheel to order to preserve their texture and flavour, unlike the vacuum-packed varieties found in larger retailers. Additionally, with our high rate of sales, we ensure that our cheeses are always in top-notch condition, ready to be enjoyed at their best.

Does the town need something like this?

I may be a bit biased, but I certainly think so! The range and quality of cheeses we offer is unmatched in the area, and we’re thrilled to bring something truly special to North Berwick.

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What is the property like and what was it formerly? What are your plans for it?

The property was most recently home to a gift and craft shop called Fingers and Thumbs, and before that, it was a private garage. We're excited to transform the space into a sophisticated haven for cheese lovers, offering our carefully curated selection of farmhouse and artisan cheeses. We’ll feature everything from beloved classics like Isle of Mull Cheddar and Stilton to rare delights such as Grazalema and Cossanella.

The Cheese Lady shopThe Cheese Lady shop
The Cheese Lady shop | Contributed

Did you always plan to have a second shop, or has the demand surprised you?

When I launched The Cheese Lady seven years ago, the idea of a second shop was beyond my wildest dreams. Back then, I was running the business alone with a six-month-old baby at home. As the business grew, so did our child, and during the challenges of the pandemic, my partner joined the business. And it was then that our vision for the future really began to take shape. The demand has certainly surprised us, but it's been such a rewarding journey.

The Cheese Lady herselfThe Cheese Lady herself
The Cheese Lady herself | Contributed

 

What are your top cheeses for this time of year?

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As the colder weather sets in, we see a noticeable uptick in demand for meltable cheeses like Raclette and Vacherin Mont D’or. Fondue favourites, such as Gruyère Réserve and Vacherin Fribourgeois, are also top sellers during the winter months.

 

And what do you think the best-sellers in North Berwick will be?

I expect Scottish and other British cheeses to be very popular, but European classics like Comté, Manchego, and Roquefort will also likely be in high demand. Cheeses with truffle, which are decadent and luxurious, will probably be big sellers too.

 

Will you be stocking anything other than cheese?

Yes, we’ll be offering a range of artisan condiments to complement the cheeses, including chutneys, a variety of crackers, oatcakes, and, of course, membrillo. Our aim is to make a visit to The Cheese Lady a ‘complete cheeseboard’ experience.

 

Are you planning any events for the new shop?

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Unfortunately, the limited space means we won’t be able to host events in the shop itself. However, we’re keen to collaborate with local businesses, including restaurants and complementary shops, to host tasting events around North Berwick.

What has the feedback on the announcement been like so far?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Our existing customers and social media followers have shown incredible enthusiasm and support for the new shop. We were also thrilled to receive support from several businesses based in North Berwick and from East Lothian Food and Drink.

 

Any plans for a third branch?

Absolutely. We’re passionate about expanding and spreading the joy of fine cheese, while continuing to provide an exceptional shopping experience to even more cheese lovers. Personally, I’ve definitely caught the entrepreneur bug and now relish the challenge of building something even bigger than I ever dreamed. What excites me most is how we’re fostering a lovely community — both among our team at The Cheese Lady and our wonderful customers. We're all connected by shared values: supporting small-scale producers, enjoying wholesome foods, and taking time to savour life.

For updates on the new shop opeing, follow The Cheese Lady on Instagram @thecheeseladyuk

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