19 March 2010, 15:34 PM
  • Independent retailers across the UK have been giving customers an insight into the world of butchery to celebrate last week's National Butcher's Week, from 15th to 20th March

The third annual celebration was set up by the Meat Trades Journal to encourage consumers to consider their local butcher as the first port of call for meat purchases.

Farm shops, delis and butchers’ shops held various promotions, demonstrations and competitions to celebrate the nationwide event.

Staff at Keelham Hall Farm Shop in Bradford spent the week demonstrating traditional sausage-making techniques and held ‘Ask the Butcher’ question and answer sessions for shoppers. “We celebrated the event for the first time in 2009 and it proved so popular we’ve made it bigger and better this year,” said Nicola Bland, customer experience manager.

“Our master butchers have over 200 years’ worth of experience between them. We’re always keen to offer expert help and advice by answering any questions our customers may have about meat – how it’s raised, prepared, how to find the right piece of meat, and ways to cook it,” said Lee Scott, butchery manager.

The shop also used the event to launch its new homemade black pudding and offered tastings of traditional and speciality sausages.

Midlands retailer Aubrey Allen also celebrated the week by giving one customer the chance to be a butcher for the day. Store regular Jayne Neal was selected and helped the company’s master butcher, Martin Crombie, break down carcases and prepare meat to be sold in-store.

The business also set three local schools the challenge of creating an exciting new sausage recipe. The winning school, St Peter’s Catholic Primary in Leamington, created a lamb and goat’s cheese sausage, which was sold throughout the week.

“We loved involving the children in this event and always welcome schools to work with us on raising young people’s awareness of good food,” said Simon Kelly, shop manager.