Leeds cheesemonger crowned northeast winner

Award-winning Leeds cheesemonger, George & Joseph, has been named a regional winner at the 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s leading independent food retailers.

The Chapel Allerton-based business was recognised as the northeast regional winner at the national awards, which celebrate the very best specialist food retailers across the UK. Judged by industry experts, the awards highlight businesses excelling in areas including product quality, customer experience, innovation and sustainability.

Speaking about George & Joseph, one of the judges stated: “It’s a really smart store and nice business, the evenings hosted from their website and in-house look fantastic, a lovely local business that oozes friendliness.”

Founded by Stephen Fleming in 2013, George & Joseph has grown from a market stall into one of the region’s most respected cheesemongers, championing artisan British and European cheeses alongside a carefully curated selection of local produce.

The latest accolade builds on a strong track record of recognition for the business, which previously won Best Small Retailer in the northeast at the same awards and has also been honoured at the Great British Cheese Awards.

The Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, held annually at the Farm Shop & Deli Show, bring together the UK’s top independent retailers, with winners selected from hundreds of entries across multiple categories and regions.

Speaking about the win, Stephen Fleming, said:“What an absolute honour. To be recognised alongside this year’s winners is a real point of pride - for me it’s like reading a ‘who’s who’ of exceptional retailers, and we’re incredibly proud to be counted among them.”

Today, the Leeds-based cheesemonger stocks more than 100 farmhouse cheeses and a range of locally sourced accompaniments, while also hosting tastings and events designed to make cheese more accessible and enjoyable for customers.

The recognition further strengthens George & Joseph’s position as a destination for food lovers in the North, with a growing reputation for quality, expertise and a genuine passion for supporting producers.