Neal’s Yard Dairy

Cheesemonger and affineur, championing British and Irish cheeses since 1979

Select, mature, and sell outstanding British and Irish cheese

In the 1970s, a community of food businesses focused on quality and simplicity cropped up in a formerly derelict corner of Covent Garden – the eponymous Neal’s Yard. In 1979, Randolph Hodgson joined their ranks and founded Neal’s Yard Dairy. What began as a small shop stocking Greek-style yoghurt, creme fraiche, and a couple of cheeses grew with Randolph’s immersion in the British cheesemaking community. He began visiting cheesemakers, learning about their work and bringing cheeses back to his shop. That is still the core of what Neal’s Yard Dairy does today.

We currently work with about 40 cheesemakers from Britain and Ireland. While varying significantly in their backgrounds and personalities, what all of them share is a commitment to a slow, hands-on approach to cheesemaking. It is a commitment we share. We are proud to have stocked Beenleigh Blue, Stichelton, and many more of our cheeses for decades. We hope they are part of our story for years to come.

The five shops across London are the face of the business, and it is here that so many strands of Neal’s Yard Dairy – the cheesemongers, the cheesemakers and the customers – finally converge.