THE Cheese Yard’s manager of the past three years has bought the King Street business from Sarah Peak.

The business has been purchased by Vincent Lazzarini, who says he plans to continue running it as The Cheese Yard to capitalise on the goodwill it enjoys in the town.

Sarah Peak founded the business in 2013, and sought to sell it in order to relocate to the Lake District.

The Cheese Yard was sold on an asking price of £75,000 for the leasehold interest.

Vincent said: “I spent my whole career in catering, starting as a pastry chef in France, to managing restaurants and shops.

“A few months ago I had the opportunity to buy The Cheese Yard in Knutsford, which I have managed for the last three and a half years.

“I have always had a passion for food, and I love encouraging people to try new products.

“To me cheese is one of the best foods ever made. There are so many different cheeses in the world to try, and all you need to enjoy them is a bottle of wine, some bread, family and friends.”

The sale was handled by Ashley Cobban, business agent at Christie and Co, who said: “We’re pleased to have assisted Sarah in finding a buyer for The Cheese Yard.

“Given Vincent’s experience in the business I have no doubt he’s in a great position to take it forward while maintaining everything that existing customers know and love.

“Lifestyle businesses such as The Cheese Yard continue to prove popular with buyers who wish to generate an income from doing something they’re passionate about. As such, demand from the market remains strong.”

The cheese shop has an 18-seat café, with additional outside seating. There is also a purpose-built, unique, glass ‘cheese room’ which provides an optimum environment to store and display a range of cheeses.

The business sells a range of goods, including bespoke gift hampers and wedding cheese ‘cakes’.