One of Edinburgh more unusual food tours is the two-hour cheese crawl, which does exactly what it says on the cracker tin. It meets in the upscale neighbourhood of Stockbridge, home to the decades-old I.J. Mellis Cheesemongers.
The tour promises to entertain with cheese puns, a tasting quiz and some fizz, and reviews rave about the unusual experience set in one of the city most stylish yet charming areas.
What to Expect
Over two hours you taste your way around Stockbridge with cheese at the centre of everything, anchored by the long-established I.J. Mellis Cheesemongers. Between tastings there is a quiz to test what your palate picked up and a glass of fizz to keep things celebratory.
It leans light-hearted, with plenty of cheese puns, so treat it as a fun, sociable outing as much as a tasting.
What Is Included
The focus is a run of Scottish and artisan cheeses paired with sparkling wine, plus the interactive quiz.
- A selection of cheeses
- Tastings at I.J. Mellis Cheesemongers
- A cheese knowledge quiz
- A glass of fizz
- A walk around Stockbridge
Who It Suits
Ideal for cheese lovers and anyone who wants a shorter, lighter tour in a genuinely pretty part of the city away from the Royal Mile crowds. Less suited to those after a full meal: this is tasting-led, so pair it with dinner afterwards.
Practical Tips
- Stockbridge is a short walk or bus ride north of the New Town
- Two hours makes it easy to slot into a half day
- Come for tasting, not a full meal: plan dinner separately
- Flag dairy allergies before booking, as cheese is the whole point
- Explore Stockbridge shops and the Water of Leith walk afterwards
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Edinburgh Cheese Crawl start?
It meets in Stockbridge, an upscale neighbourhood just north of the New Town that is home to the long-running I.J. Mellis Cheesemongers.
Is it a full meal?
No. It is a two-hour tasting of cheeses with a glass of fizz and a quiz, so it works best paired with dinner rather than as a main meal.