Fodder, the multi-award-winning farm shop and café based at the Great Yorkshire Showground, has been named the very best butchers in the North of England.
During an online ceremony this week (Monday 15th February), Fodder was crowned the North of England Butcher’s Shop of the Year in the national Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards 2020.
Attracting entries from across the country, Fodder saw off hot competition from butcher’s shops across the North to secure the prestigious title and cement its reputation among the country’s finest craft butcheries.
Announcing Fodder as the best butcher’s shop in the North, the judges commented: “Fodder is an excellent business, showing innovation and community as well as charitable support at the centre of their business – a modern shop with a modern outlook that is continually searching for new ideas.”
All of Fodder’s profits help to fund the work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, a registered charity which supports and promotes the farming industry.
Among the choice cuts available from Fodder’s butchery counter is grass-fed lamb from nearby the nearby Liddle Family in Stainburn, free range pork from Anna’s Happy Trotters at Howden and delicious beef from Guy Cowling who farms at Pannal.
Heather Parry, Managing Director of Fodder, said: “We are thrilled that our butchery has been recognized as the North of England’s finest and one of the very best in the whole of the UK.”
Now in its 26th year, the high-profile Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards are organized by the Meat Trades Journal and celebrate the service, craft skills and quality products of the UK’s independent butchers across 12 categories. A rigorous judging process is carried out by a panel of butchery experts, including a ‘mystery shopper’ store visit to the 35 finalists.
Heather said: “This award is a great endorsement of the quality of our meat which has been reared to perfection on the very best local farms, as well as the skills of our talented and knowledgeable butchery team who are able to advise customers on how best to cook our products when they get home. Our team works incredibly hard to create a beautiful counter every day and offer outstanding service too.”
Local butcher’s shops have become even more important to feeding the nation as more people have shopped locally during successive coronavirus lockdowns. All butchers across the UK will be celebrated during next month’s National Butcher’s Week (March 8-14).
Heather added: “We have had wonderful feedback from customers over the last 12 months who have been very grateful for the service we have provided during a very difficult time for everybody. We’re grateful to all our customers for their support and it has been fabulous to welcome new customers who have discovered us for the first time.
“We really hope that this connection with local butchery and quality local meat continues long into the future. With National Butcher’s Week coming up, if you’ve not tried our award-winning meat yet, there is no better time!”
Fodder was opened in 2009 as a response to the Foot and Mouth crisis that devastated farming at turn of the century. Providing a crucial market for independent family-run businesses, Fodder works with more than 430 local farmers and producers.
Produce from Fodder which is good enough to eat but hasn’t made it into anyone’s basket, is donated to the Harrogate Homeless Project.
Fodder is open seven days a week with a one-way system and limited numbers to ensure a safe shopping experience. Click and collect is also available via fodder.co.uk. Fodder on the Hoof is the perfect takeaway for coffees and hot food, for those walking nearby or visiting the shop.