August 14, 2013 12.15 pm This story is over 127 months old

Lincoln Cheese Society expands with new shop

New shop, more space: An independent Lincoln cheese shop has expanded its business with a new premises on The Strait and more seating in its cafe.
Owner of The Cheese Society Kate O'Meara at the retail store on The Strait in Lincoln. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

An independent Lincoln cheese shop has expanded its business with a new premises on The Strait.

Taking up the vacant unit from a former jeweller’s shop, owner of The Cheese Society, Kate O’Meara has found a new home for the retail and mail order arm of her business.

The expansion will help Kate O’Meara separate her mail order operations, with a selection of cheese assortments delivered all across the UK, as well as a cafe, creating more space for diners.

The shop’s original premises on St Martin’s Lane also underwent renovation, with a redesign to provide more seating covers for diners.

Extra seating area in the refreshed Cheese Society Cafe on St Martin's Lane. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Extra seating area in the refreshed Cheese Society Cafe on St Martin’s Lane. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Formerly, the cafe could only cater for 22 people, but the expansion means it will now provide seating for 36 at any one time.

“It’s a winning move all-round,” said Kate O’Meara. “We already supply about 80 cheeses, but having two sites so close together means I can offer cheese-lovers an even better service from our dedicated shop.

“Having more cafe space is also a real blessing at peak periods.”

The expansion is just the start of a new chapter for Kate and The Cheese Factory, as she looks to “breathe extra life” into the business.

“We are having a new website built, which should be up and running in September, and we have exciting plans to offer occasional Wednesday Supper Nights at our Cafe from September.”

The Cheese Society also delivers a selection of cheese assortments all across the UK. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Cheese Society also delivers a selection of cheese assortments all across the UK. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Cheese Society’s move to The Strait follows the recent expansion of women’s fashion outlet RubyRed, which launched RubyRedKids in the the former Knight’s shoe shop.

Lincoln BIG Events and Promotions Manager Michael Armstrong said of the recent moves: “Empty premises don’t do any town or city any favours and it is especially good to see vacant premises snapped up quickly.

“Lincoln is well known for its niche and specialist businesses, many of which are based in The Strait, Steep Hill and Bailgate areas, and they include The Cheese Society, which is a well established independent.”