Decent butchers for quality cuts of meat

[zetec]

I'm fed up with Tesco Finest or Sainsbury taste the difference, they just don't give me the quality and cuts that I'd like.

I live in the south Essex area, in my local area (Basildon) there are no independant butchers (to my knowledge) that I can visit and chat to to be able to get the quality cut of meat that I'd like.

My wish is to get a decent bone in rib of beef or a good whole leg of lamb from a reputable and decent farm.

Any advice from those in my area would be appreciated, thanks.

[Bob the Planner]

Can't help with t'south but the local butcher in Polesworth is quality. Steaks to die for, chicken with flavour and local lamb, not tried the pork yet apart from the bacon and sausages which are 'A' grade (1/8" - 3/16" bacon - Mmmmmmmmmm).

Alternatively find a good farm shop who sources things locally. The one I used outside York was fantastic for beef and lamb, however I used a butchers for pork.

I sugest looking for a decent local farm shop even if it means a 10 mile trundle - its usually work it IMO.

[Tina K]

Where do you work? If in the City, Porterford's in Bow Lane has to be the best for miles around. If not in the City, it's worth the trip: from Friday lunchtime, they have a sale.

[Mattt]

My friend runs a farm near South Woodham - if you want fresh meat direct from the farm, drop me an email and I'll give you contact details. They do great ribs of beef, and great burgers for the summer BBQ season

[Coq au Vin]

zetec said:

I live in the south Essex area, in my local area (Basildon) there are no independant butchers (to my knowledge) that I can visit and chat to to be able to get the quality cut of meat that I'd like.

My wish is to get a decent bone in rib of beef or a good whole leg of lamb from a reputable and decent farm.

Any advice from those in my area would be appreciated, thanks.

What about the meat auction guy in the Basildon market?





(sorry, no sensible suggestions)

[Skodaku]

Pop along tp Shenfield. Three excellent butchers there, all independent. Two on opposite sides of the main road, by the zebra crossing, and the third at the top of the main road, (oppo end to the station).

[V10Mike]

It's a bit outside your area, but I've been buying my meat from Leech's in Melbourn (near Royston) for twenty years. Absolutely first class.

[scott.s]

Go to Hepburn's in mountnessing, he is one of the top butchers in the UK he also has some great wines, also try elm farm shop just outside wickford on the road to Cray's hill you can't miss it.
if you fancy a trip to Ipswich then jimmy's farm is fantastic.

I have a list as long as your arm for good food in Essex.

[cirks]

don't know any around your area but the butchers at our local Morrisons wipe the floor with other supermarkets stuff. Properly trained and knowledgeable guys. Much more like a "proper highstreet butcher" than a supermarket meat outlet. Might be worth trying one over your way?

[scott.s]

i forgot the guy in hordon on the hill is very good a real old school place to buy good meat.

get yourself some longhorn beef it's the best the uk has to offer and so much better than the scottish stuff.

[NickyTwoHats]

Gareths in Oaklands near Welwyn has great meat too. Longhorn and Shetland beef .. yum! Great sausages, venison, chickens & bacon & & & too.

Worth a trip.

[nelly1]

Get yourself to Costco...