Mar 12, 2025

Hamish Johnston London

The finest cheese shop

"An a family-owned independent cheese shop that opened in 1994 and has been going strong since then. Their selection of cheeses is outstanding and varied."

When it comes to traditional food the UK is often regarded as boring and lacking identity. I get it - the Full English breakfast or the bangers and mash might not be the most exciting culinary creations but for cheese lovers like myself Britain has given the world some of the best cheeses out there! 

However, nowadays with supermarkets taking over, good cheesemongers are few and far between. That’s why I’m so happy to have found Hamish Johnston, which in my amateur cheese taster's opinion is the best cheese shop in London. Hamish Johnston is a family-owned independent cheese shop. It opened in 1994 and has been going strong since then. Their selection of cheese is outstanding with cheeses from the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, and many more. Their ethos is that as a client you have to be sure you’ve picked the right cheese so they’re more than happy to give a taster of any of the cheeses on offer. 

Obviously, the cheese is the star of the show here but they also sell a wide range of artisanal products like chutneys, crackers, pickles, and charcuterie which make a great addition if you’re looking to make a cheese board for a home party or want to make a gift hamper to bring back for your parents (or yourself)!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

48 Northcote Rd

Kg of cheese:

£

20

+44

2077380741

Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

Barnsbury Wood

London’s smallest nature reserve

Barnsbury Wood is enjoyed by Londoners all year round, but it is at its most glorious in the summer months when the trees are drenched in golden sunlight.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

May 7, 2025

The Hill Garden and Pergola

A tranquil oasis

The gardens and pergola are open to the public and are a great spot for a walk or a peaceful afternoon with a good book in hand while lying on the grass.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Angelina

Ivanova

May 5, 2025

Italo Delicatessen

Quiet oasis in noisy Vauxhall

The people of Bonnington Square really know how to foster a vibe with leafy exotic plants spraying scattered shadows as you sit and eat...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

Di Lieto

A true Neopolitan family deli

From focaccia to pasta, coffee to cake, this one-stop shop is as much a place to buy your brew and bread as it is to have a lunchtime bite of pasta...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

Vauxhall's chill space

Birds sing while trains rumble along atop the parallel railway arches, old men play boule in the shade and planes skim overhead on approach to Heathrow.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

The Black Dog

Park pub perfection

Of all the reasons why you have to check out this idyllic boozer, perhaps the most important is that this is the home of the finest scotch egg in London.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

The Dog House

Footy, friends and feels

From the run-down chic aesthetic to the strong beer selection and excellent pub garden, there are no chinks in the Dog House's armour...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

The Prince of Wales

Boule and birdsong, anyone?

Inside, the bar is a welcoming, tightly-packed vibe with old-fashioned, old-world decor with gorgeous bare wood surfaces & countless pictures on the walls.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

The Crown & Cushion

Made like they used to

The unassuming, retro signage outside amidst the noise & din of Waterloo might pull you in, but what makes you stay is the genuine town tavern feel inside.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

Pierre Victoire

French fare at a fair price

With a rustic French feel, Pierre offers dishes with rich red-wine sauces and tasty meats from much of the spectrum of the French culinary roster.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

The Toucan

Soho's Guinness godfather

With old-fashioned vintage Guinness branding adoring just about every surface, this is the ideal spot to take a moment and enjoy a perfectly-poured pint.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

May 1, 2025

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

A tiny urban jungle

Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

Heading to London?

222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

222 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite London

Our team loves London

Get to know our other Spotters from London

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
19
Filters