Happy National Butchers Week!
Now in its 14th year, National Butchers Week is back with a bang… or bangers should we say. Once a staple of the British high street, over the years, butchers have become more of a rarer breed. But very fortunately not yet extinct, thanks to their resilience, and determination to showcase the craft of butchery, as well as their pride for sourcing from local farmers with unbeatable quality. Here, we present you a guide to some of Leeds’ best loved butchers so you can celebrate National Butchers Week the right way!
Malcolm Michaels Quality Butchers, Leeds
A landmark stop-off in Kirkgate Market is the much-loved Malcolm Michaels Quality Butchers, owned by, you guessed it… Malcolm Michaels! Although the butchers was established in the market in 1993, Malcolm began learning the trade when he was just 14 years-old working a Saturday job. It wasn’t long before Malcolm was offered a full-time position, and by the age of 21, he opened his very own business. Malcolm makes it his priority to give young people the same opportunity that he was given, and he often has over 20 young people working on the stall as a Saturday job. They pride themselves in delivering the finest meat possible to the family table. Not only do they have an extensive knowledge of meat, they also have a finely-tuned understanding of customer service, meaning you’ll leave their company with a stack of succulent meat and a smile on your face. – New York St, Leeds LS2 7HJ
Furniss Family Butchers, Ilkley
Celebrating 35 years of business in February, Furniss Family Butchers continues to serve quality local produce to the good and hungry people of Ilkley. The definition of a family-run business, Furniss Family Butchers is owned by Carole and Stephen Furniss and are assisted by their son, John, Grandson Ben, and staff members Helen, Dan and Marcus. Selling award winning pies, home-made haggis, jams, chutneys, fresh fruit, veg, eggs, all alongside their quality Yorkshire meat. – 116 Bolling Rd, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley LS29 8PN
Geo. Middlemiss & Son, Otley
Housed on Otley’s Market Street, Geo. Middlemiss & Son Butchers is now in the very capable hands of the founding owner, John Middlemiss’ great great Grandson. Established in 1881, five generations of the founding family have now been providing the town’s people of Otley with quality meats and meat products for over 120 years! So we’re sure you’ll believe us when we say that the team at Geo. Middlemiss & Son Butchers really know their stuff! Selling multiple award winning pies alongside their locally sourced range of meats, you’d be silly not to add this to your list of butchers to pay a visit during National Butchers Week. – 3 Market St, Otley LS21 3AF
N.Gifford Butchers, Leeds
Established in 1996, N.Gifford Butchers has gone from strength to strength in the trading hub that is Kirkgate Market. Owner Nigel comes from a family line of butchers, with both his Dad and two Brothers working in the same trade; Nigel has built up over 40 years experience in the trade of butchery, building a solid reputation in the market. N.Gifford Butchers sell only Grade A Quality meat delivered fresh every day. Stocking everything from Beef, Chicken, Pork and Lamb and are a reliable supplier of top quality, locally sourced, sausages, burgers and ribs. – Leeds Kirkgate Market, New Game Row LS2 7HL Leeds
