AN Ilminster butcher has received national recognition after its peppercorn steak grill burger was named the best in its class at the Smithfield Star Awards.
Bonners of Ilminster was one of 12 artisan butchers from across the UK to win in their category at the awards ceremony held at Butchers' Hall in London on Wednesday, April 6.
The Smithfield Star Awards are organised by The Q Guild of Butchers to recognise and reward the UK's finest craft butchery products, including pork sausages, burgers, bacon, black pudding, gluten-free offerings, and meat for the barbecue.
The awards have been held for more than 30 years.
Products are given a star rating of one, two, or three by a panel of independent industry judges.
All three-star products in each category then pitched against each for the category champion Diamond Award.
Bonners' peppercorn steak grill burger was described by the judges as “well-constructed” and “an excellent product”.
It beat the offerings of 11 other butchers from across the UK to secure top spot and receive the Diamond Award.
The prize was presented to the Bonners team by restaurateur and Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett OBE.
The Ilminster butcher also received a three star rating for its steak and Blue Vinny cheese pie.
After receiving the award, Clinton Bonner said: “This is a great achievement and really goes to show what you can achieve when you have a great team behind you.
“We’ve been in business for over 50 years now, yet we’re still always amazed and grateful to win prestigious awards such as these.
“We’re excited for our customers to try our award-winning peppercorn steak grills, which are now available to buy in our shop.”
Q Guild Manager Gordon Wallace said: “The standard of entries this year was higher than ever with a 20% increase in the number of products awarded three stars so gaining two three star awards and being crowned best in class for one of these is no mean feat.
“We were delighted to present Bonners with their award, which is a fantastic endorsement of their products, while also helping raise standards across the board and driving product development in the craft butchery industry.”
The best overall product award was won by Leamington Spa butcher Aubrey Allen's traditional shepherd's pie.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here