A new cheesemonger has arrived on Uppermill’s High Street, and its opening is the result of a search for a cat collar. Carl Woodhead and Nikki Hill, the couple behind the venture, are familiar faces in Saddleworth having founded Oliviccio a decade ago as a wholesale business.

The pair were not actively looking for a retail space when they stumbled upon the premises that would become Tyromancer. What began as a routine errand for a pet accessory quickly turned into an unexpected opportunity. “We saw the shop and just had a feeling about it,” Carl explained. Within a short time, the deal was done and the keys were handed over.

Tyromancer, named after an old word for a cheese diviner or connoisseur, specialises in artisan cheeses sourced from small producers across Britain and beyond. The shop offers a carefully curated selection that includes local favourites such as crumbly Lancashire and tangy Wensleydale, alongside continental classics like Comté and Gouda. Customers can also find accompaniments such as chutneys, crackers, and olive oils – drawing partly on the couple’s existing expertise from Oliviccio.

“We wanted to create a place where people can discover cheeses they might not find in the supermarket, and get proper advice on pairing them,” Nikki said. “It’s about celebrating good food and the people who make it.”

The opening has been warmly received by locals, many of whom have been watching the shop’s transformation over recent weeks. Regular footfall on the High Street means Tyromancer is well placed to attract both residents and visitors exploring the village. The couple hopes the business will become a destination for cheese lovers from across Oldham and beyond.

“Uppermill has such a strong community feel, and we’re proud to be part of it,” Carl added. “People here appreciate quality and we want to offer that, with a personal touch.”

Tyromancer is open Tuesday to Saturday, and plans to introduce cheese-tasting events and seasonal specials in the coming months. With its origins in an everyday shopping trip and its roots in local enterprise, the new cheesemonger adds another distinctive independent to Uppermill’s ever-evolving High Street.