Talented Harrogate Town footballer says 'cheese' at shop's opening
A Harrogate Town football star has cut the ribbon at the official opening of a famous Harrogate shop’s new and bigger home.
Twenty-two-year-old midfielder Ellis Taylor joined the shop's owner Gemma Aykroyd at The Cheeseboard on Friday after making the 'long' journey from the neighbouring Harrogate Town shop next door.
After being located for decades at 1 Commercial Street in Harrogate, The Cheeseboard has recently moved to number 30 on the same independent shopping street, next door to the Harrogate Town FC Shop at number 32.
Although operating in different spheres, both organisations have achieved much over the years.
Praised by The Guardian as "Harrogate’s renowned dairy dazzler” and simply “impeccable”, The Cheeseboard is renowned for its Cheese of the Week.
Although struggling this season so far, Harrogate Town have enjoyed an incredible rise through the lower leagues in the last decade to compete in the English Football League for the first time in their history.
Taylor told the owner of The Cheeseboard he was a fan of cheddar, while the owner pointed out the shop had a strong expertise in a wide array of cheese, including cheddar.
The flair player, who scored seven goals for Town in the 2024-25 season, is currently injured but told the Harrogate Advertiser he hopes to be fit and available for selection in a couple of matches’ times.
"I still feel positive about the season,” said Ellis who signed for Harrogate Town in July 2024 on a two-year contract following a successful trial period.
"We obviously need to improve our league position but we are only a few points below the teams above and a few wins would take us out of the bottom zone.”
Earlier this year, Gemma Aykroyd, who took over The Cheeseboard in 2000, revealed she was looking to expand the business, with plans to move into a larger space when the opportunity arose.
The shop has won multiple awards over the years, including winner of the Harrogate Christmas Shop Window Competition.
It is also known for supporting local initiatives, including providing prizes for community events.
For more information, visit: thecheeseboard.net.