Member Article

Butcher is a cut above the rest

A family butcher shop that has sold quality meat, pies and sausages to the people of Stockton for generations is in the running to be named the best butcher in the country.

Blackwell’s of Norton, which has been selling the finest-quality meats for over 50 years, has been named a regional finalist for the Butchers Shop of the Year Awards.

The accolade comes after a number of recession-busting initiatives at the family firm, including the launch of its Mum Knows Best hamper featuring five meals for five nights with recipes included.

The shop has also developed its catering services, enabling it to branch out into the corporate market, as well as launching a new range of pies.

Assistant manager of the shop Anna Blackwell, granddaughter of the firm’s original founder, said: **“**The nomination hasn’t quite hit home yet. There have been a number of ups and downs in the last year but being selected makes everything feel worthwhile and gives us the extra boost to strive to take the shop even further forward.

“Everyone has been very supportive and we have to thank all of our customers because without them none of this would be possible.

“I was really sceptical about entering and it was actually my parents who pushed me to do it and wrote the application, so when I found out we’d been selected it was a huge surprise. Since then I’ve also found out the selection process is quite ruthless so to reach this far it’s an honour.”

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony at the five-star Landmark London Hotel on Thursday 22 November. Other categories include the UK’s best Farm Shop, Butcher’s Plus, Innovation of the Year and Halal Butcher’s Shop of the Year.

Anna added:

“I’d also like to express my gratitude to my dad for all the hard work he has put into the business over the last 40 years. Without him Blackwell’s would not have been nominated for this incredible award and I know it will mean the world to him if we win.”

Blackwell’s sources all of its produce from local farmers and suppliers and offers only the highest-quality service, advice and products.

For more information on the company visit: www.blackwells-butchers.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harvey and Hugo .