Christmas has officially arrived in Chapel Allerton, where award-winning cheesemonger George & Joseph has declared the start of “Cheesemas” and transformed its shop into Leeds’ ultimate festive cheese haven.
The independent favourite is stocking more than 80 cheeses this December, along with chutneys, charcuterie, crackers and wine, creating a one-stop destination for anyone building a Christmas cheese board.
The star of this year’s line-up is St Bede, a brand-new Camembert-style cheese from celebrated British cheesemaker Julie Cheney, best known for St Jude. George & Joseph is the only cheesemonger in the UK to secure the cheese, receiving an allocation of just 15 from 15th December. For those planning a molten-cheese moment, the shop is also selling handmade ceramic Camembert bakers from local maker Iona Ceramics.
Another festive scene-stealer is Gorgonzola Dolce, served scoopable straight from the wheel. Mild, creamy and theatrically decadent, it’s attracting attention as much for the tasting experience as the flavour.
“Christmas is when people really invest in great cheese, so we want the whole experience to feel exciting and special,” said founder Stephen Fleming. “The Gorgonzola Dolce is one of the most indulgent blues out there, and watching it being scooped out is half the joy.”
What to Expect in Store
Shoppers can expect the usual festive bustle George & Joseph is known for, with the team offering samples, expert advice and plenty of inspiration for building the perfect Christmas selection. Stephen’s tips include pairing old favourites with something new, mixing textures and colours for a standout board, and finishing with seasonal accompaniments like figs, chutneys and spiced nuts. Whole-cheese centrepieces such as baked Camembert or Baby Stilton also earn a place on his festive list.
Since opening in 2013, the cheesemonger has become a staple of Leeds’ food scene, known for championing small-batch producers and stocking a strong lineup of Yorkshire cheeses, including Yoredale and Harrogate Blue.
“Christmas is the most exciting time for cheesemongers,” Stephen added. “It’s when people discover just how extraordinary artisan cheese can be and why it’s worth supporting the makers behind it.”
More information is available at www.georgeandjoseph.co.uk.
