The Butcher's Quarter

Stumbling on this shop when I took a wrong turn, this butcher's has an incredible variety of food, from all across the globe. Separated into the sections fresh meat, dry foods/ wines/ sauces, cheeses and deli/ cured meats, the staff give excellent recommendations and knowledgeable advice on the best way to enjoy the produce ( which helped me to cook a lovely Japanese Wagyu steak.) From cheese and eggs from local farms, to Spanish cheese which has been aged in caves and artisan made jams, the passion to stock the best quality items shines through. Whilst selling locally sourced versions of all the classics, ( from beef mince to thick pork chops) the shop also offers tantalising options for those who like to try something new, ranging from homemade beef, red wine and garlic sausages, to soft goats cheese from France. All from one of the most wonderfully unique shops in the Northern Quarter.

Without a doubt, the best independent butcher in the city centre/NQ. Great selection of meats, joints and cuts; good range of interesting charcuterie and a small (but good) selection of interesting cheeses, then enough condiments to blow a hole in your wallet (I always leave with an unplanned bottle of something tasty). Staff are super nice and helpful (and don’t have that condescending thing you can sometimes get in old school butchers: if you say “I want to cook some beef for six, what do you recommend for a cut, and how would you suggest cooking that?” You’ll get an honest and thorough reply from a helpful and knowledgeable meat technician* *they don’t call themselves that, don’t worry, they’re not *that* NQ… High quality, but fairly priced (means don’t expect to be paying Turkey Twizler prices for prime beef), but completely worth the price.

Always very good meat but they charged me £34/kg for shin beef when I last visited. There was no counter tag on the meat I bought and I think they ripped me off. Even in the most premium of places, the top price I could find shin was around £19/kg. It's a shame because the meat here is very good but I don't feel I could go back. In recent times they are always trying to up sell their other stuff when you're in there.