George & Joseph, the celebrated cheesemonger based in Chapel Allerton, has been crowned the North East regional winner at the 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards. This prestigious national accolade further establishes the Leeds business as one of the UK’s premier independent food retailers.
The awards, judged by a panel of industry experts, evaluate specialist retailers on product quality, innovation, sustainability, and customer experience. The judges praised the Chapel Allerton shop as a “smart store” that “oozes friendliness,” particularly noting the success of their popular in-house and online tasting evenings.
Founded by Stephen Fleming in 2013, George & Joseph began as a modest market stall. Over the last 13 years, it has transformed into a regional destination, stocking more than 100 varieties of farmhouse British and European cheeses alongside a curated range of local produce.
The 2026 win adds to an impressive trophy cabinet for the business, which has previously been named Best Small Retailer in the North East and has received honours at the Great British Cheese Awards.
Stephen Fleming, founder of George & Joseph, 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.”
Beyond its retail offering, George & Joseph remains a hub for the local food community, hosting regular events and tastings designed to make artisanal cheese more accessible to the public. For more information, visit www.georgeandjoseph.co.uk.
