The Cheese Society

The Cheese Society began with mail orders, before buying cheese online became routine. Kate founded the Lincoln business in 1997 to offer hard-to-find farmhouse cheeses. In 2001, she bought the family building on St Martins Lane, which had housed a fish-and-chip shop for 44 years. Today, her daughter Lucie and brother Adam run the company.

The Cathedral Quarter shop keeps cheese at the center of the experience. Its counter brings together local producers and continental specialties, with samples and advice from its cheesemongers. Shoppers can arrive looking for a familiar cheese, try something similar, or discover a variety that was not on their shopping list. That conversation helps guide the choice of cheeses and quantities.

The range spans cheddar, blue cheeses, washed-rind varieties, aged mountain cheeses, and goat’s and sheep’s milk cheeses. Cornish Yarg, Lincolnshire Poacher, and Norwegian Gjetost illustrate its diversity. Staff favorites add other points of reference: Gorwydd Caerphilly, Isle of Mull, and Delice de Bourgogne are among the cheeses the team highlights.

The deli counter extends a visit beyond shopping. There are sandwiches, cheese toasties, frittatas, sausage rolls, cakes, and pastries; sourdough bread and cultured butter are also part of the selection. Window seats offer a place to pause with coffee and a pastry while watching the street outside.

Artisan crackers, chutneys, pickles, and charcuterie help build a cheeseboard to share. Gift boxes and vouchers provide other ways to choose, while subscriptions deliver regular selections. Flexible options allow changes to frequency, delayed deliveries, or cancellation, and prepaid subscriptions are also available.

Orders are packed in breathable waxed paper, an insulated bag, and a food-grade ice pack. Presentation includes a branded box and tasting notes; a gift message can be added on request. Deliveries contain no invoices or prices inside the box. Shipping focuses on mainland Britain, with deliveries Tuesday through Friday.

The shop and deli counter are at 1 St Martins Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1HY. Order pickup is also arranged at the warehouse at Unit M, Peregrine Mews, Dowding Road, Allenby Estate, Lincoln, LN3 4PH, Monday through Friday. The two locations have different roles and schedules: one offers cheese discovery and something to eat, while the other handles collection of a prepared order.