We are delighted to report that at the Butchers’ Hall in London last week, our very own Jordan Shaw, won the award for Young Butcher of the Year, beating competition from butchers aged 24 and under from the length and breadth of the British Isles. He was presented with his award by renowned and much-loved British Chef Jeremy Lee.
Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, the annual Smithfield Awards have run for more than 30 years and in addition to recognising the Young Butcher of the Year also reward the UK’s finest craft butchery products including Traditional Pork Sausage, Best Burgers, Gluten-Free Product, Best Bacon, BBQ Product and Black Pudding. Products are evaluated using a points system, with the best products awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold.
We also scooped two Gold Awards – the highest possible rating from the Guild – for our Traditional Pork Link Sausage and our Kitchen Ready Product ‘Mexican Meatball Melt’. These products were judged at an extensive judging session at the City of Glasgow College last month, headed up by Keith Fisher, CEO of the Institute of Meat, alongside a selection of respected industry professionals, journalists and foodies.
Q Guild Young Butcher, Jordan Shaw of S. Collins & Co said: “I’m very flattered to have won this award, it’s been years in the making! I’ve been shortlisted for the last two years so this is definitely third time lucky! I’ve been a butcher for six years and it means so much to me. I love developing new products and serving our customers, seeing them happy with what they’re buying really warms my heart.”
Jeremy Lee, British Chef and proprietor of the renowned Soho restaurant Quo Vadis said: “The awards, presented at after a splendid lunch in the beautiful surroundings of Butchers Hall, is a testament to the hard work done by butchers the length and breadth of the British Isles. Tis a noble calling requiring great skill and knowledge. A good butcher is as vital as a good market and a good greengrocer or cheesemonger. They inform the public and encourage good cooking at home, in pubs and restaurants. It is an honour to have been asked to judge alongside Sheila Dillon and Xanthe Clay.”
Gordon Wallace, Q Guild Manager said: “Our Young Butcher of the Year award is arguably our most important award. It recognises the skill, hard work and determination of our young butchers and provides confidence that the future of our craft is in safe hands. Jordan is an extremely worthy winner and we were delighted to present him with his award.”
Well done Jordan…we are all very proud of you!
