In the third in our series of articles that spotlight the finalists of this year’s Eat Game Awards, which take place on Thursday, we take a closer look at the best game butcher and those businesses that are showing innovation when it comes to game products.
Best Game Butcher – sponsored by Angel Refrigeration
This category is open to any local butcher selling a range of game meat. Online nominations were collected from the public with the top 10 going forward to the public vote.
The three butchers below received the most votes, and the winner will be determined by a mystery shopper visit, scored against set criteria.
A family-run, award-winning butcher in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Hanks’ supply the finest, fully traceable local meat and game to both retail and trade specialising in game products.
The Wild Meat Company was established in 1999 by Robert Gooch and Paul Denny. They pride themselves on sourcing and selling venison, game birds, rabbit and even squirrel – all from farms and estates in east Suffolk where they are based.
Suppliers of quality local game and meat, oven-ready game birds, game sausages and burgers. Liam is proud that game he sells all comes from the Northamptonshire countryside, where he is based.
Added value Category – sponsored by Beretta Gallery London
This category includes any game product as long as they have added value, such as pies, ready meals, ready to cook, charcuterie, pâté, etc. The award seeks to showcase new and exciting developments in game meat processing.
Again, all entries were nominated online by the public with the top 10 going forward to the public vote.
The retailers below received the most votes and will be judged by our panel of experts for the final placings announced on the night.
Glorious Game – nominated for their Yorkshire Fried Pheasant
Glorious Game aims to help increase the appeal of this hugely underappreciated but delicious, lean and nutritious meat. Inspired by her upbringing in the Angus Glens, and her grandmother who was a wonderful cook, founder Sophie has always been obsessed with food.
Holme Farmed Venison – nominated for their Venison Wellington
Yorkshireman Nigel Sampson returned to his roots in 1990 to grow HFV Parkland and Wild into a company that produces award-winning prime venison all year round. Their venison comes from sustainably sourced wild deer reared naturally in the countryside and traditional parks across the UK.
Truly Traceable – nominated for their Venison Sausage Roll
A husband-and-wife duo make up a team of deer stalkers and butchers producing beautifully encrusted fully traceable meat. Lynn and Steve Tricker were born and bred in Suffolk and started the award-winning pastry business in 2014. As the name implies, the fillings are fully traceable with Steve, who is qualified in deer management and butchery, providing the venison.
Wyre Pie Company – nominated for their Venison Pie
Made and cooked by hand for the best taste possible, Wyre Pie Company is based in Tenbury Wells.
Click here to read more about the best chef and restaurant, here for the game retailers and here for those sharing the message and their love of game.
