Buckwells crowned Butcher of the Year in Hampshire Food & Drink Awards

Q Guild Butcher Buckwells of Southsea has won the coveted Butcher of the Year title in the 2016 Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards, a much-prized accolade made all the sweeter as candidates were chosen by nominations from the public at large, then visited by ‘mystery shoppers.’

“We’re over the moon, particularly as we were nominated by our customers, which speaks volumes for the way we run our business – an ethos that continues to be based on traditional quality, coupled with a commitment for excellence and innovation,” said John Buckwell, who dedicated the award to every single member of the shop team.

Mr Buckwell established the business with his wife Helen in 1987. It has since grown and diversified to become one of the South's top butchers, winning multiple regional and national awards.

There was double delight for Buckwells when one of its main customers, Restaurant 27 in Southsea, was announced as winner of Restaurant of the Year for offering an incomparable dining experience based on the quality of the food it serves.

There was also another Q Guild connection, as the Customer Service Award was sponsored by long-standing member, Owton’s Traditional Family Butchers in Southampton – and they too supply the winner, Forte Kitchen, a restaurant in Winchester.

Awards were presented at a black tie dinner at The Elvetham Hotel in Hartley Wintney.