Shop of the Year: Great Food Club Awards 2023/24
Winner
Chosen by our judges:
The Cheese Shop, Nottingham
The finalists
The top public vote-winners:
The Cheese Shop, Nottingham
Essen, Beeston, Nottinghamshire
The Mediterranean Deli, Wistow, Leicestershire
Stoughton Grange Farm Shop, Oadby, Leicestershire
The winner is The Cheese Shop in Nottingham, one of the region’s most-loved independent food shops, adored by everyone from Michelin-starred chefs to householders with a passion for cheese.
Founded in 2004 by brothers Webb and Rob Freckingham, this central Nottingham store boasts an impressive selection of both British and continental cheeses. Their huge cheese counter is unparalleled, stocked with a meticulously curated selection of British and continental cheeses. It’s a counter that has been recognised at the World Cheese Awards.
The brothers have a keen eye for quality, ensuring products are top-notch, and their regular personal visits to cheesemakers’ dairies demonstrate their passion for their subject, which has afforded them unrivalled expertise in the field.
Beyond cheese, they offer an array of high-quality locally sourced deli products, including Scotch eggs and bread from Hambleton Bakery. Located conveniently on Nottingham’s Flying Horse Walk, they also house a café, perfect for a post-shopping coffee or lunch.
The other finalists
Essen, Beeston, Nottinghamshire
Essen in Beeston, run by Edward Graham Moore, Sam Skinner-Watts and their team, is an excellent blend of a café and deli. The produce on sale here is outstanding, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, suitable for socialising, getting some work done at the communal table, or simply enjoying excellent food and drink.
They serve high-quality sandwiches, cakes and other delights, featuring bread from local bakery ØKENDE. The shop also hosts regular food events and tastings, adding an extra layer of interest.
The cheese, charcuterie, and drinks sections are carefully curated, reflecting the founders’ expertise and passion for good food.
Even though it’s 40 minutes away from our office, we recently found ourselves returning twice in one week, which speaks volumes about its appeal.
The Mediterranean Deli, Wistow, Leicestershire
The Mediterranean Deli at Wistow Rural Centre is a brilliant shop. It secured two gold stars in the Great Taste Awards 2023 for its Baklava Cheesecake, a creation of co-owner Sefer Ustabas, based on a treasured family recipe. This follows a previous win for their Pistachio Baklava in 2022.
The family-run deli is a fusion of local and Turkish culinary treasures (don’t miss their incredible baklava), reflecting their rich heritage and a passion for authentic, local flavours.
It offers a diverse array of gourmet delights, sourced both locally and internationally, and is recognised for its commitment to quality, locality and flavour, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Stoughton Grange Farm Shop & Distillery
Stoughton Grange Farm Shop & Distillery in Oadby, Leicestershire, is a new addition to the local food landscape, and it’s an excellent one.
Their own kitchen garden supplies fresh produce, while the butchery counter offers the likes of Fosse Meadows chicken, homemade pies and Launde Farm lamb. Don’t overlook the array of British cheeses at the deli – especially the Sparkenhoe Red Leicester.
Owner Billy Allingham aims to reconnect people with the quality produce available before the era of global supermarkets. And he’s doing a great job.
