Butcher’s celebrates meaty accolades at showpiece event
A DERBYSHIRE butcher’s has had two of its products ranked as top in the UK.
Based in Glossop, Mettrick’s scooped a prestigious national award for its pork pie at this year’s Smithfield Awards.
Located on the town’s High Street, Mettrick’s is run by John Mettrick who has previously been awarded the title ‘Master Butcher’.
One of 10 artisan butcher’s from across the UK to be crowned top of their class, Mettrick’s won the diamond award for its pork and caramelised onion pie, in what is widely recognised as the meat trade’s most challenging product evaluation.
Scoring 67 points out of a possible 70, Mettrick’s pork and caramelised onion pie was described by judges as “superb with exceptional pastry and perfectly blended flavours”.
John said: “We are delighted our pork and caramelised onion pie has won as it is always challenging to incorporate a fresh ingredient into a pork pie, however, the secret is to ensure the moisture levels are just right.”
Mettrick’s also clinched the top award in the BBQ product category with its “excellent” tandoori lamb lollipops which scored 68 out of 70.
John added: “It’s fantastic to get national recognition for these products which our whole team has developed and been involved with.
“Our tandoori lamb lollipops are the inspiration of one of our managers who loves Indian cooking. He makes his own spice mix and marinade and our customers absolutely love it.
“We’ve been selling these all through the winter even though they are a barbecue product.”
Mettrick’s source all of its meat from farms within the Peak District, the North West and Midlands, with some slight seasonal variation.
It says its close-knit and traceable supply chain is incredibly important, for animal welfare reasons and because Mettrick’s prides itself on being able to answer every query about the provenance of its meat.