Cheese Retailers April 2024

are free to try any cheese from the counter, and the ‘try before you buy’ concept builds trust and allows us to build relationships with our customers.” The team is passionate about constantly evolving its selection. “We are continually revising our selection as it’s vital we keep things fresh and exciting. New cheeses and products are a thrill not only for us, but for our customers too; we aim to make the experience of coming to Birkdale Cheese Co an interesting and exciting one, rather than simply a mundane trip to the shops.” Another stand-out move has been the creation of four cheeses made locally that carry the business’s name: Birkdale Cheddar; Birkdale Cheddar Smoked; Birkdale Cheddar infused with Chilli & Lime; and Birkdale Blue, a rich cave-aged blue. Birkdale Cheese’s eclectic range attracts a wide range of shoppers. “Our customer base is very varied,” says Mark. “When we took over the shop the 26 @specialityfood F or John Clarke andMarkMoss, who took on the running of Birkdale Cheese – a business which had been servicing local cheese lovers for decades – it was important to offer customers a wider variety of options than that they previously enjoyed. “Birkdale village has had a speciality cheesemonger for 45 years and has always focused on offering a wide range of the very best British and Continental cheeses available, begins Mark. “We took over the business inMay 2021 with the aim of not only continuing to provide high quality cheese, but to expand the shop’s offering of exciting deli products – including pate, rillettes, charcuterie and fine wines.” This decision wasn’t made lightly. “Each new range introduced to the shop has to have the approval of the full team,” he says. “We have all tasted everything before it makes it to the shelves.” Customers can enjoy these products on-site as well as at home. “We are lucky enough to have some alfresco seating where we offer an extensive range of dishes, all based around cheese, from cheeseboards to grazing platters and all in between.” It is this wide variety of products which sets Birkdale Cheese apart from other businesses. “With over 150 cheeses there really is something for every palate. Plus, we are totally focused on the customer experience – so many people are intrigued by cheese but are frightened to brand out and try something new,” he begins. “Customers LOCATION: BIRKDALE, SOUTHPORT FOUNDED: 2021 OWNERS: JOHN CLARKE AND MARK MOSS Birkdale Cheese The Revampers “2024 is going to be an exciting year for us,” begins Mark. “As well as continually looking for new products, we will be launching regular cheese and wine pairing evenings with another local business in the village. This is something that we have been asked to do by many of our cheese loving customers. In addition, we will be expanding our cheese ‘celebration cake’ offering as these bespoke cheese cakes are a great alternative to a regular cake for those who don’t have a sweet tooth.” PLANS FOR 2024 NORTH