Founded in 1981, The Cheeseboard of Harrogate has been a staple of the town's food scene for decades.
Gemma Aykroyd took over the business in 2000 as the fourth running owner.
The shop has a glowing reputation and is known for its extensive selection of local and international cheeses.
Gemma has a background in catering and grew up in London before moving to Harrogate with her parents at the age of 24.
Harrogate appealed to Gemma as a friendly and community-lead town. She said:
"My background in catering led me to cheese."
After taking over the shop, she focused on sourcing cheeses from around the world, as well as working with local producers and wholesalers, offering everything from Yorkshire cheeses to French and Italian varieties.
The shop now stocks over 200 types of specialty cheeses.
Located on Commercial Street, a growing foodie hub, The Cheeseboard of Harrogate is part of a thriving local community of food businesses including a butchers, fishmongers, spice shop and tea shop.
The shop holds a space for community. Gemma said:
”It’s not just about selling cheese, it’s more than that. I really love serving the customers, people come in for a chat, it’s about community.
"I know a lot of customers by name and when they come in they love it.”
Over the years the business has continued to flourish, maintaining its loyal regulars as well as attracting new customers from further afield.
The shop has seen a shift in its clientele over the years, appealing to a wider demographic.
It now sees younger customers increasingly interested in cheese and wine evenings.
Gemma said:
“When I first took over the shop there were more older customers.
"But people often appreciate finer things in life and now the younger generation are starting to as well.”
The Cheeseboard of Harrogate has some exciting plans ahead.
Gemma is now eyeing expansion, with plans to move into a larger space when the opportunity arises.
“I would like to expand eventually, so when the right place comes up at the right time, we will see what happens...“
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