Ashampstead butchers battles it out in Top of the Chops

A local butcher has qualified as a regional finalist for the South East in the 16th annual Countryside Alliance Awards.

English meat and game specialist Vicars Game ⁠– based in Ashampstead since 2001 ⁠– was nominated for the award by the public.

The best rural butcher will now be decided by a public vote.

Vicars Game, bought out by Yattendon Estates in July 2021, will go head to head with three other butchers for the honour, including Padbury Meats, Buckinghamshire; Park Farm Butchers, Kent and Fernygrove Farm Butchers and Coffee Shop, Bracknell, Berkshire.

"It was a pleasant surprise," said managing director Richard Clare. "We know that the brand is really strong in the community.

"It ultimately recognises what people say to us every day when they come into the shop.

"Vicars is known far and wide, people came from London to shop with us."

The winner will represent the South East in the House of Lords at the national champions reception on May 17.

"It will be a privilege to represent the team here, and it is a massive team effort," said Mr Clare.

He also thanked anyone who votes for the company in advance and considers its current success as a victory for the legacy of former owners Alan and Owen Hayward, who ran the company since 1973.

Vicars Game has been supplying farm shops, restaurants and retailers for more than 100 years.

Winning this award would help to bolster the prestige of its brand further at a regional and even national level.

The Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate rural businesses who support their local economy and are the unsung heroes of their communities.

Visit https://www.research.net/r/caawardsseemail to cast your vote.

Voting opened on February 1 and will close on Sunday, March 5.