Jessica Summer

Mouse & Grape

Jessica Summer is the founder of Mouse & Grape, an award-winning cheese and wine business spanning hospitality, retail, events, e-commerce and media. Known for her creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and ability to make food and wine accessible, Jessica has built one of the UK's most exciting emerging hospitality brands from the ground up.

Her journey into entrepreneurship began unexpectedly in March 2020 when she lost a new job just ten days after starting due to the pandemic. At a crossroads professionally, she found inspiration in the idea of building a business around something she genuinely loved. What started as an Instagram page dedicated to cheese and wine pairings quickly evolved into Mouse & Grape, a thriving multi-faceted business that today includes an award-winning cheese and wine bar and deli in North West London, a successful events and corporate hospitality business, an e-commerce platform and a loyal community of food and wine enthusiasts.

Jessica combines formal expertise with a natural talent for communication and storytelling. She holds WSET Level 3 and Academy of Cheese Level 2 qualifications and is recognised as one of the UK's leading voices in cheese and wine pairing. Her mission is to make the world of cheese and wine less intimidating and more enjoyable, helping people discover the joy of pairing through education, hospitality and memorable experiences.

Alongside running Mouse & Grape, Jessica is a respected industry judge, presenter and speaker. She has appeared on national television, including Saturday Kitchen, and has been featured across a range of national media outlets. Her expertise has led to collaborations with leading producers, wine regions and hospitality brands, while her engaging approach has helped her build a substantial and highly engaged social media following.

Jessica's achievements have been recognised with numerous industry accolades, including IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine 2025, Drinks Business Retail Buyer of the Year 2025 and Specialist Retailer at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2026. She was also a finalist in Young Cheesemonger of the Year and shortlisted for Harpers 30 Under 30.

Beyond the awards, Jessica is passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership and creating opportunities for others. She is a Young Ambassador for The King's Trust and regularly shares her experiences of building a business through uncertainty, overcoming self-doubt, embracing creativity and growing as a leader. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention and turning a simple passion into a nationally recognised brand.

Jessica's vision is to build Mouse & Grape into the UK's leading cheese and wine destination, while inspiring others to pursue what they love and create businesses with purpose, personality and lasting impact.