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Two people stand at the entrance of The Farmers Butcher & farm shop, a wooden storefront with teal signage

Best Supporter of Local Produce – The Farmers Butcher

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Congratulations to this year’s New Forest National Park Award for Best Supporter of Local Produce: Independent butchery and farm shop The Farmers Butcher in Bramshaw.

Mike and his wife Sarah took over The Farmers Butcher in 2018, after Mike popped in for a coffee and a chat with the previous owner and then never left! The unit was primarily a wholesale butchers mainly supplying local hotels and restaurants. Slowly over the years Mike and Sarah worked hard to turn the unit firstly into a retail butchers, then eventually into a larger farm shop selling a selection of the best local produce the area has to offer.

Supporting other local businesses is at the heart of what Mike and Sarah do at The Farmers Butcher and they recognise just how vital this is for the rural economy.

Mike said: ‘Without our small local artisan producers there would be less jobs in the countryside for local people, less money going into the local communities, less choice for the individual, and a decline in countryside heritage.’

As individuals Mike and Sarah are well-loved by their suppliers and customers alike. They work hard to develop authentic personal relationships, and their efforts have resulted in the creation of a strong and supportive community.

Mike said: ‘Personal contact with our suppliers is very important to us – a name, a face, a story…it creates communities within business. We often invite our suppliers into the shop to meet our customers and tell their story.’

As well as stocking local produce, The Farmers Butcher has created a calendar of engaging events such as markets, pop-up cafes and tasting sessions, and regularly hosts ‘Meet the Producer’ days to showcase specific products.

Supportive of local farmers and Commoners, The Farmers Butcher stocks New Forest beef, lamb, seasonal wild venison, and of course pannage pork. Non-meat products from local producers include honey, wine, baked goods and condiments.

Mike said: ‘We are always looking to connect with likeminded smaller businesses throughout the New Forest and the local areas beyond. When we are out and about we are on the lookout for products we feel would fit with us and our ethos’.