Butcher's Shop of the Year 2018 winners unveiled

Linconshire-based butchers Kirk’s has been crowned Butcher’s Shop of the Year 2018, beating off top-quality competition to become the best shop in the land.

At the packed event at Etc. Venues County Hall, London on 5 November, thirteen categories were decided, with just one of the regional category winners announced as Butcher’s Shop of the Year 2018. According to the judges, this year’s competition saw some of the tightest category judging in many years, with industry experts having to deliberate fiercely to decide a winner.

Meat Trades Journal’s Aidan Fortune praised the finalists and the overall winner. “All of the finalists, and category winners displayed an extremely high standard, making judging for this year’s competition very difficult. Every single one of these businesses are at the very top of their game and are providing a fantastic service to their communities.

“The overall winner, Kirk’s displayed top quality produce at value prices, delivered in a professional fashion. The judging panel were impressed by the team’s attention to detail when it came to range, display and hygiene. They are a very worthy winner of Butcher’s Shop of the Year and a great ambassador for the butchery industry.”

Owner Andrew Kirk said he was overjoyed to have been crowned Butcher’s Shop of the Year 2018 and praised his staff. “It’s a testament to our entire team and the hard work put into the business. We’re in there every day grafting hard and serving our community, and this is recognition of that work. We’re overjoyed to have won this award and would encourage every butcher to enter next year to show off their business.”