CREWKERNE butcher Barrett Bros has scooped a prestigious national award for its Beef Wellington at this year’s Smithfield Awards, announced at Butchers’ Hall in London last week.
One of 12 artisan butchers from across the UK to be crowned top of their class, the Crewkerne butcher won the Diamond award in the ‘Kitchen Ready Product’ category for its Beef Wellington in what is widely recognised as the meat trade’s most high-profile and challenging product evaluation.
Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, the awards which have run for more than 30 years, recognise and reward the UK’s finest craft butchery products including traditional pork sausage, best burgers, gluten-free product, best bacon, BBQ products, and black pudding.
Products are awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold award by a panel of independent industry judges, with all Gold products in each category then pitched against each other for the category champion Diamond Award.
Scoring a remarkable 69 points out of a possible 70, Barrett Bros’ Beef Wellington combines prime beef fillet with homemade mushroom duxelle which is wrapped in Parma ham and encased in pastry.
The coveted Diamond Award was presented to Barrett Bros by the highly regarded British Chef Jeremy Lee.
Barrett Bros’ Steak Slice and Garlic Chicken Parcel also made the final shortlist in the Kitchen Ready Product category- with both receiving Gold award status – the highest possible rating from the Guild.
Steven Pocock from Barrett Bros said: “We have a wonderful team of people who work tirelessly in our shop and it’s down to them that we’ve won this award.
“One of our best sellers, we’re very proud to have won the award for our Beef Wellington. Everything is homemade in-store, using natural products and it’s wonderful to gain some recognition for a product we make ourselves.”
Jeremy Lee, chef and proprietor of the renowned Soho restaurant Quo Vadis, said: “The awards, presented 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.
“This 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: “The standard of entries this year was as high as ever so being crowned best in class for their Beef Wellington alongside two additional Gold awards is a fantastic achievement for Barrett Bros.
“We were delighted to present them with their award which not only endorses the quality of their products but helps to raise standards and drive innovation across the craft butchery industry."
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