As the country plunges into the chillier months of the year, Ealing cheese and wine shop Cheddar Deli welcomes the annual rush of seasonal customers during the count-down days until Christmas.
Owned by Brent Wilkinson, Cheddar Deli, which boasts 4.8 stars on Google reviews, specialises in over 150 traditional farmhouse cheeses from seven different European countries, as well as fine wines and real ales. The shop is open four days a week, and closes for ten days during summer holidays, with three days each for Christmas and Easter.
Katarzyna Zurawicz, a shop assistant who has been working at the artisan charcuterie store for just over ten years, said ‘the shop gets busier in winter, especially close to Christmas. We take lots of pre-orders, for example, we have around 160 pre-orders this year, not including special hampers. During the last three days before Christmas we usually get people queuing outside from opening to closing time.’
The shop is decorated festively for Christmas, with lights in the window, and individual cheeses and hampers are put on display. ‘As the weather gets colder, hard cheeses like cheddar sell better. It’s why we rotate our display cabinets according to the season,’ Katarzyna continued. ‘Normally people buy cheeses for cheese boards to share at home with family or friends. Sometimes we get special orders for amazing cheese towers for birthday celebrations, or even weddings. They have become quite popular nowadays.’
During winter people buy cheese for fondue, or to melt, like Raclette. Katarzyna added ‘the most popular requests are individual pieces of cheese cut to order, because people can choose what’s in good condition, or simply what they fancy on the day. Gift selections are also popular, especially on special occasions, such as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.’
Katarzyna’s favourite cheeses are Pecorino with Truffles, Stinking Bishop, Morbiel, and Bermondsey, made in London. Excitingly, this year the shop has started to sell cheeses made by the great-granddaughter of Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond. One is called Bix and the other is named Highmoor. ‘I'm quite passionate about cheese, so for me the best part is helping customers with their personal choices,’ she said. ‘Choosing the best product and seeing them coming back because they enjoyed the selection is particularly rewarding. They like to chat with us about their plans for the festive holidays. We also enjoy a bit of banter with co-workers, especially cheese jokes during Christmas! The atmosphere is warm and bright, and you can feel the Christmas cheer!’
When asked if Cheddar Deli intends to expand into a chain, Zurawicz replied ‘some of the customers ask if we are planning to open another shop, but unfortunately not right now. The shop is doing well. A lot of people from Northfield Avenue are passionate about food, and they enjoy having a cheese shop right on the doorstep.’
‘If I had to describe Cheddar Deli in three words, they would be welcoming, friendly and exciting,’ Katarzyna finished. The cheese shop serves as a source of conviviality, warmth and festivity as the community approaches Christmas and New Year.
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