Cheesemonger described as "real champion of the local community" wins top honours at prestigious awards

The Courtyard Dairy based in Settle was named Overall Speciality Food Retailer of the Year at the awards which took place online due to coronavirus restrictions. They also took the top honours in their own category.

Owner Andy Swinscoe, who runs the business with his wife Kathy, said they were thrilled to have won the Cheesemonger of the Year title but taking the big award had been a real surprise.

“It was a totally unexpected win and has provided a welcome boost in these uncertain times,” Mr Swinscoe said.

This was the second award ceremony this year where The Courtyard Dairy had been named best in category, having taken the title at the 2020 Guild Fine Food Shop of the Year in March.

Mr Swinscoe said the awards were a real tribute to the suppliers, staff and community they worked in.

“They are the backbone of our business and I am so glad we’ve all got some recognition,” he said.

Supporting local farmers and producers is a key part of the Swinscoe’s business and for many the shop is the main outlet for their produce.

An element which was commented on by the judges at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards, who described them as “real champions of the local community” adding they had a real passion for promoting farm-made cheeses.

“I believe in proper farming and cheese made on that farm with milk produced by animals grazing that pasture is a real reflection of the place and is unique to there,” said Mr Swinscoe.

“Cheesemaking not only adds value to a farm but helps boost the local economy by creating more jobs. Everyone seems to benefit and I enjoy being part of it.”

Mr Swinscoe developed his love of cheese from his early career in restaurants. He won an award in Cheese Maturing from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, which allowed him to take up an apprenticeship in the intricate art of affinage (ageing cheese) in France with Hervé Mons, widely regarded as the best affineur in the world.

Now he passes that love on to his customers but he said at the moment, like others, the business was facing a challenging time.

“The majority of our business is done through people coming into the shop.

“We do sell online and that is increasing but we are not really set up to deal with a large number of orders so we are just trying to smooth out the wrinkles.”