Cheese at IJ Mellis Edinburgh

30 November 2022|Read time 2 mins

If you like cheese, you must visit Edinburgh. The city's IJ Mellis is one of the best cheesemongers in world.

The business has four stores dotted around Edinburgh. In each of them you will find a selection of the best hand-made cheeses from Scotland and abroad.

Fall in love with Cheese at IJ Mellis cheesemonger in Edinburgh

Although not to everyone's taste, I rather enjoy the olfactory blast of Stilton that fills Bakers Place.

Established in 1993, the IJ Mellis cheesemonger in Stockbridge is one of four shops in Edinburgh, and a must for our self-catering guests.

Stilton the size of a barrel

Some days, you can see Stilton cheeses the size of barrels perched outside the shop. 

One of the most popular Mellis cheeses, (you will find it on the menu in many Edinburgh restaurants), is Isle of Mull cheddar.

The milk comes from Friesian cows who feed on spent barley from the whisky-making process.

It's made by hand on a farm near Tobermory by the Reade family and is a rich, creamy and crumbly cheese.

Cheese rolled in charcoal

The distinctive-looking Selles Sur Cher is another favourite. 

It's a goat's milk cheese formed into a small flat disc and dusted with charcoal. 

The taste of raw coal is rather pleasant, despite what you might expect. 

Sadly, the cheese is unpasteurised, ruling it out for anyone pregnant.

Cheesemaking in Scotland 

Scotland has enjoyed a resurgence in cheese making. 

Traditionally a short production season limited the variety of cheeses that could be made as they had to survive long storage, says the firm. 

Nowadays, modern techniques have enabled a range of new cheeses including brie and creamy blues. 

You will find many of these cheeses in Mellis stores.

Locals love it

If you happen to be in Edinburgh over New Year, you might have noticed long queues outside the shops. 

Residents like to stock up at Mellis before a party!

The shops also take Christmas orders for those in Edinburgh over the festive season.

The enjoyment doesn't stop there, as customers can also enjoy a true, local experience with events hosted by the Mellis team, including a Burns Night celebration in January.

Another local favourite is Valvona and Crolla, an Italian delicatessen on Elm Row selling everything from home baked bread to champagne and wine.

A sensory experience of cheese

Visiting a Mellis shop is quite an experience. 

It's a (pleasurable) assault on your senses, with the extreme cold, strong smell of cheese and sight of so many gourmet delights.

Air conditioning keeps the stores at refrigerator temperature. That way the shops are cold enough for the cheeses to sit out on the counters, open for inspection.

If you ask, the staff will cut off slivers of cheese for you to taste. 

But beware, these sumptuous cheeses are so delicious you will find it hard to resist purchasing them!

Purchase IJ Mellis cheese online

If you are not able to visit one of the Mellis shops in person, there is a large selection of products on offer via their website.

Here you won't just find a selection of excellent cheeses, but also a range of accompanying items, including chutneys and traditional Scottish oatcakes. 

There are also gifts available for the cheese lovers in your life (or perhaps as a treat for yourself!), such as cheese boards and gift vouchers.

Visit cheesemongers in Edinburgh

If this article has whet your appetite, be sure to visit IJ Mellis Cheesemonger during your self-catering break with Reserve Apartments!

For more ideas on places to eat in our city, head to our blog on the best of Edinburgh food and drink.