Butcher set to open new shop in city

Larkhall Butchers are opening a second shop in Bath later this month.

The well-known butchers who have been based in Larkhall for years have announced plans to open a second base on Widcombe High Street.

Peter Milton, owner of Larkhall Butchers said: “We had looked at Widcombe for years as a good location for expansion. I think it’s an untapped market and I know from lockdown that we have a lot of customers over that way already.”

The new shop in Widcombe will be open by the end of the month, although an exact date is yet to be confirmed as they await delivery of the butcher’s cabinet from Italy.

Mr Milton said: “Over lockdown we had lots of people work for us but we may not have had room for them permanently otherwise so it’s great. Things may die down in certain areas of the economy, we want to provide the opportunity for them. For me personally I also think it’s important to reinvest in the city of Bath and a great opportunity at the moment with everyone pushing shopping local.”

Mr Milton said he was using some of a £50,000 ‘bounce back’ loan to fund the expansion. The scheme was designed to give small businesses quicker access to finance in the pandemic. He continued: “There are dark days ahead and it’s important to create jobs where we can. Not only that but we’re a local shop selling meat from local farms.”

The butcher will occupy a space that was a vegan cafe.