Press, Awards & Recognition
George & Joseph Cheesemongers
Since opening our first shop in Chapel Allerton in 2013, we’ve been championing brilliant artisan cheese and helping more people discover what good cheese can be.
Along the way, George & Joseph has been recognised by food and retail awards and featured in national, regional and industry media. Here are some of the highlights.
Featured in
Good Food · 2026
Best Christmas cheese hampers for 2026
Good Food selected the G&J Christmas Feast as “Best for discovering an independent cheesemonger” in its 2026 Christmas cheese hamper guide.
The Grocer · 2026
Putting artisanal cheese in the picture
A substantial feature on specialist cheese retail, provenance and British artisan cheese, with George & Joseph profiled alongside some of the country’s best-known cheese retailers.
Speciality Food · 2026
22 of the best cheesemongers in the North of England
George & Joseph was included in Speciality Food’s guide to the North’s best cheesemongers, highlighting our cheese knowledge, events, Cheese School and nationwide delivery.
Yorkshire Evening Post · 2026
Celebrating 13 years in Leeds
The Yorkshire Evening Post marked our 13th anniversary, telling the story of George & Joseph from fairs and farmers’ markets to our Chapel Allerton shop today.
Yorkshire Post · 2025
From IT director to cheesemonger
A multi-page Yorkshire Post Magazine profile telling Stephen Fleming’s story from a 20-year career in corporate IT to founding George & Joseph, building an award-winning Leeds cheesemonger and championing British artisan cheese.
The Yorkshire Press · 2026
How to serve cheese like a pro
To mark our 13th anniversary, Stephen shared 13 practical tips for choosing, storing and serving artisan cheese.
The Grocer · 2024
How George & Joseph became a destination for cheese lovers
A profile of the business, our customers and how an independent Leeds cheesemonger became somewhere people are prepared to queue for at Christmas.
Guild of Fine Food · 2024
Who pairs best? Cheesemongers vs cheesemakers
Stephen joined an expert tasting panel alongside Patrick McGuigan, Mathew Carver and other leading cheese people to put British cheese pairings to the test.
More press & expert commentary
- Speciality Food, 2026: Stephen on how education and confident customer conversations can drive cheesemonger sales. Read the article →
- Speciality Food, 2026: Stephen on creating memorable in-store experiences and Christmas sampling theatre. Read the article →
- Speciality Food, 2025: “Things I wish I’d known when I was a new cheesemonger” — advice from Stephen and other specialist cheese retailers. Read the article →
- The Artisan Founder, 2025: a feature on the George & Joseph Cheese Advent Calendar and the story behind the business. Read the feature →
- Speciality Food, 2025: Stephen featured among industry experts sharing favourite cheese pairings. See the pairings →
- Speciality Food, 2023: Stephen’s retailer insight on why the North of England is such a special region for cheese production. Read the column →
- Speciality Food, 2022: five cheese pairing ideas from Stephen Fleming. Read the feature →
- Peter’s Yard, 2021: Speciality Spotlight interview with Stephen on starting George & Joseph and the artisan food industry. Read the interview →
- Speciality Food, 2020: Stephen contributes advice on creating a cheese display that helps customers shop the counter. Read the article →
- Speciality Food, 2017: coverage of George & Joseph’s move to larger premises on Harrogate Road. Read the story →
Awards & recognition
2026
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Regional Winner – North East England
Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards
See the 2026 winners → -
Best Independent Retailer – Finalist
Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards
See the 2026 finalists → -
Highly Commended – Best Premium Cheese Selection
woman&home Christmas Food Awards, for the G&J Christmas Feast
See the 2026 awards →
2023
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Best Retailer North East – Small
Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards
See the 2023 winners → -
People’s Choice Award
Academy of Cheese Affineur of the Year competition
Read the G&J story →
2019
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Runner-up – Specialist Cheese Shop
Guild of Fine Food Shop of the Year Awards
Read the results →
2018
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Winner – Best Speciality Cheese Retailer
Great British Cheese Awards
See the 2018 winners →
2017
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Runner-up – Best Speciality Cheese Retailer
Great British Cheese Awards
See the 2017 results →
Cheese expertise
George & Joseph is an accredited Academy of Cheese Training Partner. Founder Stephen Fleming is an Academy of Cheese trainer and experienced cheese judge, and regularly contributes expert comment on British artisan cheese, cheeseboards, gifting, independent retail and how to choose better cheese.
Looking for a cheese expert?
We’re happy to help journalists, producers and other media with expert comment, interviews and features covering British artisan cheese, Yorkshire food, cheeseboards, cheese gifting, Christmas trends and independent food retail.
Press enquiries: cheese@georgeandjoseph.co.uk