A BUTCHER'S shop in Poundbury has won a national award.

Brace of Butchers was named the UK’s Best Butcher at the 2020 Farm Shop & Deli Awards.

Spanning 11 categories, as well as a coveted ‘Newcomer of the Year’ gong, (won by the Brace of Butchers in 2017) the awards, held in partnership with respected trade magazine, The Grocer, were founded to recognise the very best standards in speciality retail and celebrate the highest levels of service, product knowledge, initiative, innovation and community involvement.

Chairman of the judges, foodie, broadcaster and presenter, Nigel Barden said: “What a fabulous group of winners they are; shining beacons in their respective fields – truly 2020’s finest!”

Tom Amery, MD of Brace of Butchers said: “We’re naturally delighted to have won the title of Best Butcher 2020.

"We set up Brace of Butchers from nothing in terms of premises or organisation, but I strongly believe it’s the team you create that provides the seed from which everything can grow and enables the development of something exciting, and worthy of winning some great awards.

"I thank the staff for their commitment and enthusiasm but also the fabulous customers who inspire and encourage us to try new things and to go the extra mile.”

In the last year the business saw a 28 per cent increase in turnover and a rise in footfall of more than10,000 visits.

The popular family butcher is recognised for its affordable quality and exceptional service. The specialist butchers, Rob, Ben and Owen, have a very close relationship with local suppliers and farmers and produce some of the best products available.

The Brace of Butchers procure entire animals from local farmers which they believe to be respectful and responsible purchasing. The meat is then skilfully aged in-house to improve the texture and flavour before the skilled work starts turning whole sections into all the fantastic cuts you cannot get everywhere.

The shop has teamed up with local producers, importers and foodies to offer bread, vegetables, beer, cider, sparkling wine, game, smoked seafood, cheese, fresh baked goods and charcuterie. This range has allowed the No butchery team to develop home cooked ready meals and lunchtime solutions.

In November 2018 The Brace of Butchers introduced a new section in store called ‘Naked Brace’ where customers can buy their meat free of single use plastic, bringing their own containers to weigh, fill and label what they want to buy for themselves. The scheme began with just meat but has now extended into refillable milk bottles and raw honey, refill dispensers of grocery lines and an array of unpackaged fruit and vegetables.

In the last two weeks while many residents have been self-isolating during the coronavirus crisis the business has built up its home delivery service to local residents.

*See www.braceofbutchers.co.uk for more information.