Stalls 54

Market Cheese and Deli

With more than 200 cheeses waiting to be discovered, Market Cheese & Deli is a little slice of heaven for cheese lovers – and one of Durham Market Hall’s ultimate foodie destinations.

At the helm is Lisa, whose passion for great cheese, fabulous food and good old-fashioned customer service has transformed the stall into far more than your average cheese counter. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or wouldn’t know your Gouda from your Gruyère, Lisa and the team are always happy to offer recommendations, suggest pairings and, importantly, let you try before you buy when samples are available.

And what a selection there is! The counter is packed with over 200 varieties of cheese, spanning traditional British favourites, fantastic cheeses produced here in the North East, and delicious discoveries from much further afield. From creamy and mild to mature and punchy, smoky, spicy, blue, crumbly, gooey and downright unusual, there’s something for practically every palate.

The range changes throughout the year, too, with new and seasonal cheeses regularly appearing alongside firm customer favourites. So even if you’re a Market Cheese & Deli regular, there’s usually something new tempting you from behind the counter.

Cheese may be the star of the show, but it’s certainly not alone. Lisa has built up a mouthwatering deli selection designed to accompany it, including artisan crackers and biscuits for cheese, chutneys, pickles, relishes, jams and preserves, olives, pâté, salami and chorizo, sauces, oils, honey and more. You’ll also find everyday foodie favourites such as Durham Butter, free-range eggs and locally produced yoghurt, alongside sweet treats including cakes, biscuits and delicious Sicilian cannoli, with gluten-free options among the wider range.

There’s a strong emphasis on supporting local and independent producers, too, meaning the shelves are a brilliant place to discover speciality foods made in County Durham and across the region – from traditional Durham Mustard to locally produced preserves and accompaniments.

Planning a celebration? Market Cheese & Deli can help there as well. Lisa can put together cheeseboards, platters and gift hampers tailored to different tastes, occasions and budgets. Whether you want an all-singing, all-dancing cheeseboard for a dinner party, a thoughtful hamper for a cheese-obsessed friend, or something delicious to say thank you, just have a chat with Lisa, and she’ll do her best to create something perfect.

One of the joys of shopping at a proper independent cheesemonger is being able to buy what you need. Cheese can be cut to order, so whether you’re putting together a spectacular cheeseboard or simply fancy trying a little wedge of something new, you don’t have to commit to a supermarket-sized block.

Whether you’re a confirmed cheese connoisseur, searching for the perfect foodie gift, building the ultimate cheeseboard or simply wondering what on earth you’re having for tea, there’s always something delicious waiting at Market Cheese & Deli.

📍 Find Market Cheese & Deli at Stall 54 inside Durham Market Hall, opposite IK Fish, Monday to Saturday.