A podcast and a pandemic gave Jessica Summer the spur she needed to open her own business.
Part deli and part wine bar, Mouse & Grape is built around the idea that cheese and wine should be exciting and approachable. It’s an approach that has secured the London business a loyal following and saw it named Cheesemonger of the Year at the 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards.
The story of Mouse & Grape starts in the early days of the Covid pandemic when Summer, who worked in property, lost a new job before it had even begun.
Then, listening to Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Podcast, she heard Notonthehighstreet.com founder Holly Tucker talk about “doing what you love and loving what you do”.
Those words gave Summer the push to turn her passion for cheese and wine into a new career, so she set about gaining experience and professional qualifications. “The name Mouse & Grape came to me almost instantly,” she says. “It is playful, memorable, whimsical and tells you something about us without taking itself too seriously.”
Launching in 2020, during the pandemic, Mouse & Grape initially operated through Instagram and via e-commerce before developing hampers and tasting event packages. “Those events demonstrated how much joy there was in sharing cheese and wine face-to-face, and a physical shop became the natural next step,” Summer explains.
Her home suburb of Pinner in north west London felt like the right place for such a shop as there was nothing quite like it locally. Her first employee, Sinéad Kennard, joined in October 2024 and helped open the store the following month. Kennard has a background in hospitality management, independent drinks businesses and events, and now oversees the store and operations.
“The shop combines retail, hospitality and events within one space so customers can discover something new, ask questions and enjoy the experience,” says Summer. Customers can buy cheese, wine and accompaniments to take home, sit in for a cheeseboard and glass of wine, or join one of the shop’s tasting events. “Pairing is at the heart of what we do, alongside friendly, knowledgeable service and creating a sense of community around the shop.”
Alongside the store, Mouse & Grape continues to operate an e-commerce business selling hampers and external tastings for corporate clients and private events. As an independent shop with limited space, every product has to earn its place in the store. “Our range is deliberately selective rather than enormous,” says Summer. “We actively seek out independent producers and small artisan businesses, and love products where there is a strong story behind the people making them.”
Sustainability is also important to Mouse & Grape, which looks for responsible producers and works with B Corp-certified businesses where possible. “Being in north west London means ‘local’ sourcing looks a little different to being based in a rural farming region, but we support local businesses wherever we can.” This includes working with nearby producers such as jam and chutney supplier Saucy Sisters, and alongside independent British and international cheesemakers and winemakers.
Sourcing products customers could not pick up in a supermarket is also a priority, with the business seeking out independent producers, smaller suppliers and more unusual products. The product range is regularly reviewed to keep it interesting, although Summer says the big difference between Mouse & Grape and the supermarkets is service.
“We taste the products, know their stories and can help customers find the right cheese or wine for their tastes, occasion and budget,” she adds. “Customers can come in knowing very little and leave with a pairing they are excited about. That personal interaction is a huge part of Mouse & Grape.”
The shop has evolved in the 18 months it has been open. It now employs a team of cheese and wine enthusiasts, and the physical area has doubled thanks to expansion into an upstairs space. The product range has continued to grow, with toasties recently added to the lunchtime menu.
“We have also become much more community-focused, while constantly learning from what our customers want,” says Summer, adding that the shop has introduced more events, seasonal specials and different ways for people to experience Mouse & Grape beyond simply shopping. Activities include a parent and baby social, book clubs and a running club.
“As the business has grown, we have also been able to introduce more defined roles and expertise within the team, including additional marketing support and allocating more responsibilities across the team.”
Summer and Kennard have plenty of ambition for future developments, including the possibility of opening another Mouse & Grape site. “We also see huge potential for more collaborations with independent producers and complementary businesses,” says Summer. “Whatever form that growth takes, we want to retain what makes Mouse & Grape special: being the home of cheese and wine pairings.”
This specialness was recognised by the judges of the 2026 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards, who declared Mouse & Grape cheesemonger of the year. The award feels like recognition for the whole team and everything that has gone into building Mouse & Grape, says Summer, adding that winning has raised the profile of the business and cemented its reputation as an exciting newcomer.
“There is a lovely full-circle element, too. Mouse & Grape began with me learning everything I could about cheese, and we are now being recognised within the industry we were once looking to for inspiration.”
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