The Big Cheese To Open On Edinburgh’s Broughton Street This August
A new independent cheese shop will open at 27 Broughton Street on Saturday, 1 August, bringing more than 50 cheeses from Scotland, the UK, and continental Europe to Edinburgh’s New Town.
The Big Cheese will welcome its first customers in time for the Edinburgh Festival, with a selection covering familiar favourites and harder-to-find artisan varieties.
The business says around half of its opening cheeses aren’t currently sold by Edinburgh’s other specialist cheese shops.
More Than 50 Cheeses From Scotland And Europe
The opening selection will include Isle of Mull cheddar, Gubbeen farmhouse cheese, Parmesan, and an especially soft Gorgonzola that can be served with an ice cream scoop.
More unusual options will include cheeses smoked over whisky barrel chips, washed in red wine or brandy, and coated with garlic, herbs, or chilli.
Seasonal cheeses will be added throughout the year, while the shop will also sell crackers, chutney, olives, wine, and books about cheese.
At the centre of the store will be a custom quartz-topped serving counter called The Cheese Board, where selections will be cut and wrapped to order.
Staff will also help customers choose cheeses for dinner parties, gifts, cheeseboards, or simply trying something different.
A New Independent Business For Broughton Street
The shop is being opened by Neil Cunningham, a former commercial director and consultant who is leaving behind a 25-year corporate career in London and Edinburgh.
The Big Cheese is his first independent business, launched with the support of his husband, Nick Gulliver.
Neil said:
“After 25 years working in the corporate world in London and Edinburgh, I can’t wait to launch my own independent business and nurture my passion for cheese right here in my hometown.
“This is the first time in my career that I feel like I’m doing something that is entirely personal and true to me.
“I want The Big Cheese to be far more than just an artisan cheese store. I want to create a relaxed and personal customer experience and a venue that will be part of local community life in the neighbourhood I call home.”
The shop is creating four jobs, with Mia Cowie joining as store manager. Neil has also credited Kay Bennet for the store’s design and branding, and Ian Jow of Jow Property Services for completing the shop fitting.
Cheese Tastings Also Planned
Regular tasting events are planned at the Broughton Street shop, giving customers a chance to sample different producers, styles, and flavours.
Neil hopes the relaxed setup will appeal both to established cheese lovers and people buying artisan cheese for the first time.
The opening adds another independent food and drink business to Broughton Street, already home to a mix of specialist shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants.
The Big Cheese Opening Date And Location
The Big Cheese will open on Saturday, 1 August 2026, at:
27 Broughton Street
Edinburgh
EH1 3JU
The store will normally open from Tuesday to Sunday, with full opening hours expected to be confirmed through the shop’s official website and Instagram page.