We have put together a list of the best butchers in London.
London is known for its diverse food scene, and some of the best food comes from the city’s incredible range of butchers.
London has something for everyone, from traditional butchers with a long history to new shops that offer unique experiences. Whether you’re a meat connoisseur or looking to explore the best meat London has to offer, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 12 best butchers in London, each with its own specialities, unique location, and expertise in preparing meat to perfection. So, let’s dive in and discover the best butchers in London.
The Ginger Pig
The Ginger Pig is a chain of butchers with several locations across London, including Marylebone, Borough Market, Hackney, and Shepherd’s Bush. The butchers specialize in traditional breeds of beef, pork, lamb, and chicken, sourcing their animals from native breeds selected for their rich flavour and nutritional value.
The Ginger Pig also has its own farm in North Yorkshire, where they raise their pigs, chickens, and cattle in a free-range environment. With a focus on quality and sustainability, The Ginger Pig has become one of the most trusted names in the London butchery scene.
HG Walter
HG Walter is a family-run butcher shop specializing in grass-fed and dry-aged meats, as well as game. Located in Barons Court and Fulham, HG Walter is committed to sourcing meat from small, local farms that prioritize animal welfare and sustainable practices.
They have a team of expert butchers who prepare each cut of meat to perfection, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavour. HG Walter also offers an online shop, so you can enjoy their exceptional quality meat from the comfort of your own home.
The Butchery Ltd
The Butchery Ltd is a small independent chain of butchers with locations in Bermondsey and Forest Hill. They specialize in free-range meat sourced from small independent farms around the UK, ensuring exceptional quality and flavour in every cut.
The butchers also offer a range of homemade sausages and burgers, as well as prepared dishes for those short on time. With a focus on sustainable practices and animal welfare, The Butchery Ltd has become a favourite among meat lovers in London.
Turner & George
Turner & George is a butcher shop located in Angel and Borough that prides itself on ethically reared meat. They only work with farmers who follow sustainable methods and offer a range of cuts that are individually prepared and aged in-house.
Turner & George are also proud of their Victorian shop design, which manages to transport you to a time when butchers were a staple in every community. Try their bacon and sausage rolls or even their homemade jerky to experience the unique flavours of their meats.
Lidgate’s
Found in Holland Park and Notting Hill, Lidgate’s is a family-run butcher that has been in business for over 160 years. Lidgate’s is known for its exceptional quality rare breed meat, game, and homemade sausage rolls.
The shop has also been awarded the Royal Warrant of Appointment to HM The Queen for supplying meat to the royal households. Lidgate’s takes great pride in the provenance of their meat, and sources their products from farmers who prioritize animal welfare and sustainability. Visit Lidgate’s and experience the traditional expertise of their butchers with a meat selection that is second to none.
O’Shea’s Butchers
O’Shea’s Butchers, with locations in Knightsbridge and Brook Green, specializes in Irish and grass-fed beef, as well as rare breed pork. They source their meat from small farms and use traditional methods to prepare their cuts, ensuring exceptional taste and quality.
With a focus on supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices, O’Shea’s Butchers have quickly become a top destination for meat lovers in London. Don’t miss their famous dry-aged beef that is hung for at least 35 days, ensuring it’s as tender and flavorful as possible.
Meat N16
Located in Stoke Newington, Meat N16 offers a wide range of grass-fed and free-range meat. They take great care in sourcing their products from small independent farmers, ensuring high-quality meat that is raised sustainably and ethically.
Meat N16 also offers a selection of homemade sausages, burgers, and other meat products, as well as a small range of dairy and pantry items to complement your meals. Visit Meat N16 and indulge in the unique flavours of their locally sourced meats.
Godfreys Butchers
Godfreys Butchers, located in Highbury, prides itself on providing certified organic meat from farmers in the UK. Their focus on quality and sustainability extends to everything they sell, ensuring their meat is ethically and responsibly sourced.
Godfreys Butchers offer rare cuts like wagyu and venison, as well as more traditional cuts of beef, pork, and lamb. They also offer a range of homemade rubs, marinades, and seasoning to add unique flavours to your meals. Try Godfreys Butchers for an exceptional meat experience that prioritizes sustainability and animal welfare.
Swaledale Foods
Specializing in heritage breed meat, Swaledale Foods sources its products from small farms in the UK. They offer a wide range of cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and venison, all of which are free-range, grass-fed, and ethically reared.
Their butchers use traditional techniques to prepare each cut, and they also offer many deli-style products, including home-smoked bacon and cured meats. Based in Borough Market, Swaledale Foods provides both quality and expertise in every product they sell.
Macken Brothers
Macken Brothers is an award-winning, family-run butcher with locations in Chiswick and Turnham Green. They specialize in free-range, ethically sourced meat, including beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and game. Their expert team of butchers use traditional methods to prepare each cut to perfection, ensuring maximum flavour and tenderness.
Macken Brothers also have a range of homemade pies, sausages, and charcuterie, as well as a cheese and wine selection to complement their meats. With over 50 years of experience and a commitment to quality, Macken Brothers is a favourite among locals for their exceptional meat and customer service.
Northfield Farm
Located in the Lea Valley, Northfield Farm is a family-run artisanal butchery that prioritizes quality and sustainability. All of their meat is from their own farm or local British farms, and their animals live on natural diets and are raised innovatively to ensure exceptional flavour and texture.
Northfield Farm offers a wide range of beef, pork, lamb, and cured meats, and their expert butchers use traditional methods to prepare each cut. In addition to their meat selection, Northfield Farm also has a farm shop that offers vegetables, handmade ready meals and pantry items. Visit Northfield Farm for a full farm-to-table experience that celebrates the best of British produce.
Nathan Mills
Nathan Mills is a former chef and butcher who opened his own butchery and deli in Crouch End. With a focus on quality and provenance, Nathan Mills sources his meats from small farms in the UK, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices. He also offers a range of handmade sausages, burgers, and charcuterie, as well as artisan cheeses, bread, and wines.
Nathan Mills takes pride in offering personalized service, with expert knowledge and advice on how to prepare and cook each cut of meat. If you’re looking for a neighbourhood butcher that prioritizes quality, flavour, and service, then Nathan Mills is a must-visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose the best butcher for me?
A: Choosing the best butcher for you involves considering factors such as the quality and sourcing of their meat, proximity to your location, and specialization in certain cuts or types of meat. It’s also worth reading reviews and asking for recommendations from friends or fellow foodies.
Q: Are there any specific cuts or products to look out for at these butchers?
A: Each butcher has its own specialities, but many offer exceptional quality beef, pork, lamb, and game. Look out for dry-aged meat, rare breeds, and grassroots and antibiotic-free meat. Homemade sausages, burgers, and charcuterie are also popular at many of these top butchers.
Q: What is the price range for these top butchers?
A: The price range for these top butchers varies depending on the type and quality of meat. As you might expect, rare and grass-fed meats can be more expensive. Prices also vary depending on the cut and weight of the meat.
Q: Are these butchers suitable for people with specific dietary requirements?
A: Many of these top butchers offer a range of options to cater to different dietary needs. Several specialize in organic meat or offer free-range and grass-fed products. They may also offer gluten-free sausages or veggie alternatives to meat products.
Q: Do any of these butchers offer delivery services?
A: Yes, some of these butchers offer delivery services for their products. Availability of delivery may vary depending on your location and the butcher’s policies.
Conclusion
London boasts some of the best butchers in the UK, and these top 12 butchers are a testament to that. Whether you’re a meat lover or someone who prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices in food, these butchers offer something for everyone. From dry-aged beef to handmade sausages and charcuterie, there’s no shortage of speciality cuts and flavours to explore.
We encourage you to visit these establishments, to get to know your local butchers and to support small businesses that prioritize quality, provenance, and customer service. With their expert knowledge and passion for meat, these butchers offer a unique and delicious shopping experience that is truly worth experiencing.