I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger

I.J. Mellis Cheesemongers on Great Western Road has long been a fixture in Glasgow’s food scene, offering an extensive selection of artisan and farmhouse cheeses alongside a well-curated range of provisions. Since opening in 1993, Mellis has built a reputation for sourcing exceptional cheeses from small producers across Scotland and Europe, ensuring a selection that balances classic favourites with lesser-known varieties. The store’s approach is refreshingly unpretentious—customers are encouraged to taste before making a decision, with cheesemongers on hand to guide selections, suggest pairings, and share insights into the makers behind each cheese.

The Glasgow location was once the company’s primary maturing room, a crucial hub for storing and ageing cheeses before they made their way to other Mellis shops. By 1995, demand led to the space being converted into a dedicated retail store, and it has remained a neighbourhood favourite ever since. A recent refurbishment has introduced a charcuterie counter, where meats are sliced to order, making it a go-to spot for putting together a well-balanced cheeseboard. There’s a strong emphasis on local producers, with Scottish farmhouse cheeses always featuring prominently, but the selection also includes French, Italian, and Spanish staples, ensuring a broad range of styles, textures, and flavour profiles.

For those looking to take their interest in cheese a step further, the Cheese Lab hidden at the back of the store offers weekly tasting evenings every Wednesday. Led by in-house cheesemongers, these intimate sessions focus on a rotating selection of cheeses, each chosen for its standout qualities that week. Discussions cover everything from production methods to tasting notes, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and refine palates along the way. Given the limited space, advance booking is recommended, though last-minute availability may be possible.

Beyond the store itself, the surrounding Great Western Road area is ideal for exploring, with a mix of independent cafés, bakeries, and shops contributing to the neighbourhood’s laid-back charm. Kelvingrove Park is within walking distance, offering a scenic place to unwind after a visit.