International Cheese Day lands on Friday, 27th June this year, and there's a whole bunch of places around the city you can pick yourself up a good block or two of the good stuff. See this as your excuse to abandon supermarket cheddar and hunt for a proper tasty wedge of Comté. From neighbourhood counters to Italian specialists, these spots sure do their rinds.
CHORLTON CHEESEMONGERS
This is a proper old school cheesemonger where conversation is part of the service. Expect wheels stacked high, generous tasters and staff who can talk you through everything from punchy blues to delicate Alpine numbers. The focus sits firmly on artisan producers and British farmhouse cheese, with the odd European heavy hitter for good measure.
486 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9AS
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CHEESE HAMLET
Tucked into Didsbury Village, this tiny shop has built a cult following among local cheese obsessives. The counter is crammed with British favourites, continental classics and a rotating cast of small producer specials. Hampers are a big thing here, especially when Christmas rolls around.
706 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2DW
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THE BUTCHER'S QUARTER (NQ)
Now, this is primarily a butcher, but one with a serious eye for cheese. The Northern Quarter site stocks a tight, well-chosen range that pairs nicely with their charcuterie and premium cuts. Ideal if you’re building a cheeseboard that leans heavily into meat and wine territory.
66 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG
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LAKELAND GROCER
Part deli, part wine shop, part neighbourhood food hub. Lakeland Grocer brings in standout British cheeses alongside charcuterie, small batch pantry goods and some excellent bottles. The staff will happily steer you towards something interesting if you fancy straying from the usual suspects.
345 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LG
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THE CHEESE YARD KNUTSFORD
Well worth the short trip out of Manchester, this long-standing cheesemonger takes the job very seriously, with shelves full of British farmhouse cheese and a rotating lineup from across Europe. The shop is small but the knowledge behind the counter runs deep.
69 King St, Knutsford WA16 6DX
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EPICERIE LUDO / LUDO'S
A slice of France in Chorlton, Ludo’s leans towards French and continental cheeses, alongside charcuterie, wine and all the bits that make for a cracking dinner party. If your cheeseboard usually ends up suspiciously French, this is your place.
46 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EG
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LAPWING DELI
Small, charming and packed with good things, Lapwing Deli focuses on quality produce, and the cheese selection reflects that approach. Expect seasonal British cheeses, well-chosen European imports and plenty of crackers, chutneys and wine to round things off.
109 Lapwing Ln, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6UR
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ANCOATS DELI
This neighbourhood deli nails the essentials every time. The cheese counter rotates through solid British favourites and continental classics, making it a reliable stop when assembling a last-minute cheeseboard. Add good bread and wine, and you’re sorted.
6B Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6HS
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SAY CHEESE (STALYBRIDGE)
This family-run cheesemonger has a loyal local following, and it's no surprise why. The shelves lean heavily towards British cheeses, with plenty of Lancashire, Cheshire and crumbly regional classics in the mix. Friendly, knowledgeable and refreshingly unpretentious.
44 Melbourne St, Stalybridge SK15 2JJ
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SALVI’S MOZZARELLA BAR
Technically a deli and restaurant, but the cheese offering deserves a mention. Salvi’s built its reputation on authentic Italian imports, especially mozzarella in all its forms. Burrata, buffalo mozzarella and southern Italian cheeses land here straight from trusted producers.
1, The Corn Exchange, Corporation St, Manchester M4 3TR
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