The four finalists for the 2018 Britain’s Best Butcher’s Shop award have been revealed ahead of the prestigious Meat Management Industry Awards 2018 ceremony and dinner, which will take place on 24th May in Birmingham.
Making the cut against stiff competition, the finalists in the running for the prestigious accolade have all received visits from an expert judging panel and are as follows:
Archer’s Butchers, Norwich
Situated in the middle of a busy parade, Archer's has a steady stream of customers throughout the day. The business was established in 1929 and today has 22 staff.
The judges said: “All the beef, lamb and pork is sourced from local, known and trusted suppliers. The shop consists of two units which are joined by an internal connecting door. The one side sells very well prepared and displayed fresh meat and meat products. The other side sells hot takeaway food which is well presented and the constant queue is a testament to the quality of the products.”
Michael Beaumont Butchers, Cambridge
Michael Beaumont Butchers Ltd is situated in the village of Fulbourn which is a few miles outside of Cambridge and has a population of 5000, though the business is supported by both local and visiting customers. The shop has been trading for 50 years and has a staff of four.
The judges said: “As well as instore customers the shop offers internet orders which are delivered free within a 15 mile radius. They have a very good range of homemade pies which are in big demand throughout the year.”
Tilehurst Village Butchers, Reading
Tilehurst Village Butchers has been trading for 30 years and has seven fulltime staff as well as a number of part-timers. The shop is situated in a parade and has a wide frontage which has a fruit and vegetable section as well as meat.
The judges said: “The fruit and vegetable offering is an impressive addition and was introduced in 2005 to add value to sales. As well as the shop trade the company does internet orders which are delivered free within a 20 mile radius on a spend of £100.”
Uptons of Bassett, Southampton
Uptons of Bassett is situated just outside Southampton in a position with high footfall. The shop was established in 1960 and Simon Upton, the present owner, has been running it since 1960.
The judges said: “The current shop has been divided into two sections – one for fresh and cooked meat and pies, the other a small restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas and coffees. This interesting section also doubles for evening butchery training courses which are proving immensely popular. The business produces its own bacon and there is a maturation cabinet inside the shop.”
Unveiling a winner…
The winner of the Britain’s Best Butcher’s Shop award will be revealed at the Meat Management Industry Awards 2018, which will take place on 24th May at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Tickets to this premier social and networking event for the meat industry, which features live music from party band The Talent and entertainment from magician Ben Hanlin, are available at www.meatmanagement.com/awards-tickets.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
