Family butcher S Collins and Son wins Best Butcher Shop in Britain

S Collins and Son in Muirhead picked up a national award for Britain's Best Butcher Shop after winning the Scottish title five times. 

Stewart Collins started the shop in 1955, and his business has carried on for two generations and 67 years. 

His grandsons Stewart, 49, and Fraser, 47, were delighted to add a British award to their host of accolades.

Stewart said: "To secure the Scottish title again was a real thrill, but to go on to be named the Best Butchers in Britain was the real icing on the cake.

"It's an amazing honour and we're so proud of everyone in the business - from the guys who butcher the meat and make the sausages to the team members who serve at the front counter and prepare local and online deliveries.

"Everyone has worked their socks off for the past few years as butchers kept the country fed during the Covid pandemic.

"Everyone went weeks on end without time off and these awards are just reward for everyone's outstanding efforts. It's just recognition for their hard work and dedication."

Staff at S. Collins & Son celebrate being named Britain's Best Butchers Shop.

The Muirhead shop opened in 1979, and 40 staff currently work across the shop and a second within a Scotmid in Uddingston. 

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Stewart and Fraser are particularly happy to win two Q Guild Star Awards at Smithfield, for Best Sirloin Steak and Best Black Pudding, which Stewart says is down to their grandfather's original recipes.

He said: "We were recognised as having both the UK's best Sirloin Steak and best Black Pudding, lifting the Diamond Award for each - a double accolade that we don't believe has ever been achieved before."

Stewart maintains that the quality of their steaks is the result of generations of experience

He said: "The secret lies in buying the right cattle from the right farm and then hanging it in the traditional way for the right length of time.

"Our beef is bought live by our father at Lanark market every Monday from various local farms including Brockwoodless Farm in Canobie and dry-aged for 30 days in our chill.

"We wait until just the right moment to sell it.  Thankfully, the judges think we get it just right too.

"All of our fresh meat is of the highest quality, sourced from local farms and markets and all backed by a full provenance guarantee. 

“Our full range of quality products and in-house specialities have gained numerous awards and widespread accolades within the food industry.”

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S. Collins & Son also take pride in their relationship with the community identity and are excited to tell their loyal customers.

Stewart added: "They'll be really proud. We buy, sell and recruit locally in North Lanarkshire and these awards are something the whole community can take pride in."

"It's a big thank you to all the team for all the physical, emotional and mental hardships that we've pulled through together. 

"Best Butchers Shop in Britain. Best in the business. You can't get better than that."