We were absolutely delighted in April 2026 to be named North East Regional Winner at the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards.
The region includes Yorkshire and the Humber, so for a small independent cheesemonger in Chapel Allerton to be recognised alongside some exceptional food retailers was a proper proud moment.
What the judges saw
The awards look at much more than the products on the shelf. They consider the whole retail experience, including customer service, innovation, sustainability and the role a business plays in its community.
Coverage of the result described George & Joseph as a “smart store” that “oozes friendliness”, with particular recognition for our in-store and online tasting events.
That meant a lot because hospitality and conversation are central to how we want the shop to feel. Good cheese matters, obviously, but so does making people comfortable enough to ask questions, taste something new and enjoy the experience.
Another chapter in the story
The 2026 award followed our 2023 Farm Shop & Deli recognition as Best Small Retailer in the North East. Three years later, returning as the regional winner felt like a useful marker of how the business had continued to develop.
You can read The Yorkshire Press coverage here.
There’s also a full record of our press, awards and recognition.
This article was added retrospectively to the G&J Journal archive to record the people, milestones and stories that have shaped George & Joseph.