Derbyshire butcher shops shortlisted in top national awards

The shortlist has been revealed for a prestigious national award for butchers – including businesses in Alfreton and Codnor.
The Q Guild of Butchers has unveiled its Smithfield ‘Star Awards’ shortlisted finalists.The Q Guild of Butchers has unveiled its Smithfield ‘Star Awards’ shortlisted finalists.
The Q Guild of Butchers has unveiled its Smithfield ‘Star Awards’ shortlisted finalists.

The Q Guild of Butchers has unveiled its Smithfield ‘Star Awards’ shortlisted finalists, this year revamped and restyled with a brand-new star rating through which three stars, two stars or one star certificates will be awarded to products achieving a set standard.

Owen Taylor and Sons, of Alfreton, and CN Wright from Codnor, are flying the flag for Derbyshire among the finalists.

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Shortlisted butchers, some of which were shortlisted in multiple categories, have until March 24 to learn which of their products has made the grade when the Smithfield ‘Star Awards’ will be presented on the Q Guild’s return to the refurbished Butchers Hall in London. All products that achieved three stars are further pitched against each other and re-judged for the top award in each category.

Lennon Callister, from Owen Taylor and Sons, is also up for the new ‘Young Butcher of the Year’ award, after presenting his pheasant stuffed with black pudding.

The products were judged blind at the Regional Food Academy at Harper Adams University in Newport by an independent panel of food and meat sector experts led by Institute of Meat chief executive Keith Fisher.

Keith said: “As a 30-year supporter of the Q Guild’s Smithfield Awards I was pleased to see this year how their continued product development has kept with the times.

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“The range entered showcased they are producing products suitable for today’s consumers, bearing in mind lifestyles and tastes.

“Also, as a long-standing supporter of young butchers, it was great to see the new ‘Young Butcher of the Year’ category and the skills the four young butchers showed highlighted why their managers felt they were worthy of entering this award.”

Q Guild general manager Claire Holland added: “The members did the guild proud this year.

“The judges were treated to some outstanding products and many supported the new categories, which I hope to see grow year on year.”

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