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Artisan cheesemonger seeks to open cafe space at its store on Great Western Road

Plans newly-submitted to the local authority in Glasgow propose a small cafe at the back of the shop.

A popular cheese shop in the West End is looking to add a cafe area to its business.

I J Mellis on Great Western Road sells farmhouse and artisan cheeses.

 Popular: Mellis is one Scotland’s top cheese retailers
Popular: Mellis is one Scotland’s top cheese retailers

It now wants to be able to offer alcohol on the premises so that customers can enjoy the produce with a drink.

Plans newly-submitted to the local authority in Glasgow propose a small cafe at the back of the shop.

The application is for change of use from straight retail to a mix of retail and cafe.

Brief details are contained in the planning notes with the application.

Notes say the property "operates as one of Scotland's leading cheese retailers."

The change, the document says, would "allow the business to increase its offering and allow customers to consume produce on the premises with limited sale of alcohol for consumption with the produce.

"This will allow the business to extends its offer to customers, increase its long-term viability and add to the character/ vibrancy of the area."

"This will allow the business to extends its offer to customers, increase its long-term viability and add to the character/ vibrancy of the area"

Planning notes

A plan shows 14 covers in the proposed cafe to the rear of the premises.

A separate note to planners says the premises would stay open till 10pm on Saturday and Sundays.

The family chain operates five stores in Edinburgh, St Andrews and Glasgow.

Gap in the market

It was founded 25 years ago by Iain Mellis, who saw a gap in the market for a retailer selling good quality farmhouse cheeses.

He and his wife Karen initially sold directly to hotels and restaurants but then set upon the idea of opening shops.

Many of the products on offer are simply not available in the supermarkets.

Its website says: "Like a fine malt whisky, farmhouse cheese is made from the highest quality ingredients, using pure, unadulterated methods, resulting in a product of exceptional taste."

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