Community Stories

From cheese lover to business founder: the story of Mouse & Grape

Grow London Local

Posted: Mon 29th Dec 2025

Jessica Summer is a cheese and wine pairing expert and the founder of Mouse & Grape.

She started the business in 2020 during the pandemic after realising that her real passion wasn't property, it was cheese, wine and the magic that happens when you pair them well.

Here, Jessica talks about what prompted her to start the business, the challenges she faced as a new business owner and how Grow London Local has supported her business journey.

Tell us a bit about your business.

What began as a little Instagram page grew into curated gift hampers, corporate tastings, TV appearances and now my first physical deli and wine bar in Pinner.

Mouse & Grape is all about bringing joy through thoughtful pairings, beautiful products and memorable experiences.

What have been some of your biggest challenges since starting the business?

There have been so many. Scaling from my home kitchen to an e-commerce business, managing Christmas demand, opening my first shop and figuring out staffing and operations, all while staying true to my standards for quality.

The biggest challenge has definitely been keeping up with the pace of growth while dealing with the realities of running a small business.

It's not all cheese tastings and wine trips. There are a lot of logistics, spreadsheets and late nights involved.

I've also had to manage my expectations. Retail is tough at the moment and everyone is feeling the pinch, so we constantly have to think of new reasons for people to visit the shop and support us.

What's been the most unexpected lesson from turning your passion into a physical space?

How emotional it would be. Opening the shop wasn't just an expansion, it felt incredibly personal. Seeing customers enjoy the space, try wines by the glass and discover new cheeses has been amazing.

But I also learned how much goes into creating a great customer experience: tiny design touches, the flow of the room, stock management, staffing, everything.

And the pressure I put on myself doesn't help. I can get stressed and anxious if things aren't progressing quickly. I'm learning to trust the process and focus on what I can realistically do each day.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own business?

Just start, even if it feels messy or imperfect. Start with a blog or an Instagram account and see if there's a demand.

Start small, don't buy lots of stock or equipment before you've tested the concept. Be prepared to learn as you go.

You'll never feel fully ready. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, ask for help when you need it and remember that exposure doesn't pay the bills. Value your time and your expertise.

How did you first hear about Grow London Local?

It was at the Hillingdon Business Fair. Someone recommended I get in touch because they run helpful courses and support programmes. I value anything community-focused, so I was immediately interested.

What support have you received through Grow London Local?

I've received brilliant support, from digital advice to business planning and marketing guidance. The reel they created for me gave the business lovely exposure and the one-to-one sessions I had were incredibly helpful.

Everything felt practical and relevant. I would absolutely recommend Grow London Local to other small businesses.

What's next for Mouse & Grape?

Right now, I'm focused on building up the Pinner shop, increasing awareness, growing our turnover, introducing more specialist evenings, hosting more tastings and refining our wine-by-the-glass offering.

In the future, I'd love to open a second location, expand the events side of the business and continue growing our hampers nationally.

What is your ultimate favourite cheese and wine pairing?

Gorgonzola Dolce will always be my number one. It was the cheese that changed everything for me.

Pair it with a sweet sparkling Moscato or a fuller-bodied skin-contact rosé and it's absolute magic – creamy, fruity, salty, tangy. Just the best flavour explosion.

Any final advice for other small business owners?

Keep going, even on the days when everything feels overwhelming.

Celebrate the small wins, protect your energy and lean into what makes your business unique. And remember you don't have to do it alone, asking for help is a strength.

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