In fact, they’re sometimes extremely poor. No matter how enticing the price tag may seem, you cannot serve a turkey on the big day that has been pumped full of crap. It’s just sacrilege! This year, ditch the dreaded supermarket dash and head to one of Manchester’s best butchers for a fresh, organic cut of meat for the big day. You might have to fork out slightly more, but you’ll be known as legend when you pull off the Christmas dinner of dreams (fresh pigs and blankets included).
The Butcher’s Quarter
The Butcher’s Quarter may be situated in the Northern Quarter, but that’s not to say the meat is too. Sourced from the likes of the Peak District, Yorkshire and Lancashire, the meat at the Butcher’s Quarter is of the freshest quality, but that’s not all they have to offer. With any good cut of meat, it is customary to select an equally delicious bottle of wine. And perhaps even some hand-selected cheeses for afters. The Butcher’s Quarter is more than just a butchers; it is also winery, deli and cheese stockist too, meaning you can pick up all of your Christmas treats and tasty essentials all in one go. And perhaps you could even take a break from shopping and enjoy a steak or two whilst you’re there…
The Butcher’s Quarter, 66 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG
0161 637 9700
http://butchers-quarter.co.uk/
Axons of Didsbury
Celebrate Christmas the traditional way this year by purchasing your meat from a local, independent butcher. Axons of Didsbury serves quality meat which has been sourced locally, meaning it is of the freshest quality. Unlike many supermarket chains, Axons offers a selection of free-range meats and eggs at a price that won’t empty your wallet. From tender cuts of lamb to large juicy chickens, Axons has everything you need to make your Christmas dinner something special!
Axons of Didsbury, 5 Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester M20 6TN
0161 445 1795
PJ Howarth Butcher
If you want quality, you’re going to have to fork out the cash. However, how can you be sure that what you’re paying for is of the standard you expect? Well, at PJ Howarth Butcher in Flixton, you can trust in their promise. After all, they have been voted Manchester’s best butcher! With dozens of meats and extras to choose from, this quant shop caters for all pallets – even those who require gluten-free. Feeling exotic? Why not swap your turkey this year for lean rabbit or a tasty partridge? (pears not included). Bottom line – if you’ve got a meat in mind, they do it. And, don’t miss out on their sales leading up to Christmas; every penny helps.
PJ Howarth Butcher, 304 Flixton Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 5DP
0161 748 0199
https://www.pjhowarthbutcher.com/
Arndale Market
The Arndale’s meat and fish market offers quality stock at an insanely low price. Of course, Christmas is an expensive time, and spending £50+ on a turkey isn’t always realistic. Similarly, not everyone wants to brave the supermarket rush on the countdown to Christmas. If you’re brave enough to tackle your Christmas and food shopping in one go, then take a trip to the Arndale Centre and kill two birds with one stone. From newly caught whole salmon to giant packs of chicken breasts for less than a tenner, you’ll certainly be left with some change at the end of your trip. So for a mouth-watering Christmas dinner on a budget, look no further.
Manchester Arndale, 16-18 Arndale Centre, Manchester M4 3AQ
0161 839 6272
Hazeldines
Hazeldines is a close family-run butchers in Stockport that has been trading since 1932. Now onto their third generation of butchers, the experts at Hazeldines have decades of experience selecting the finest cuts of meat that each and every one of their customers love. Working closely with suppliers, every slice, cut or joint of meat is to the highest possible standard, and promises to make your Christmas feast extra tasty. With a selection of traditional Christmas meats, fishes and hampers, Hazeldines can feed your friends and family from a seriously reasonable price. But if you’re a little too busy to pop into the shop or live too far away, sit back and relax whilst your order is delivered directly to your door via their online store.
Hazeldines Butchers and Bakers Ltd, 63/65 Commercial Rd, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 4BG
0161 483 2334
https://www.hazeldines.co.uk/
Walmsleys Butchers
Walmsleys Butchers in Ramsbottom has been recognised as one of the best butchers in the entire country. Despite being modest in size, Walmsleys has won many awards over the years and it’s easy to see why. Unlike many high-street supermarkets, the butchers hang some of the meat for at least 14 days and ensure that all of their cuts are free from additives and hormones. However, Walmsleys real selling point is their dedication to the animals. All non-intensively reared and grass fed; only the healthiest and happiest animals are chosen (and of course, they are killed in the most humane way). Need a sausage sandwich on Boxing Day to cure your hangover? Well, Walmsleys have award winning sausages on offer, as well as black pudding and pork pies. Basically, they have it all!
Walmsleys Butchers, 31 Bridge St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AD
01706 822269
Crawshaws
Crawshaws is a northern born and bred butchers that has been running since 1954. With stores scattered across Manchester, you won’t have to travel far to get your fresh meat fix that is sourced from across the country. From whole turkeys to juicy cuts of gammon, you’ll find all of your Christmas essentials in Crawshaws at a competitive price. Has all of this yummy meat made you a little peckish? Well, unlike most butchers, Crawshaws also offer food on the go – from whole cooked chickens to stews, pies and even curries. Pop in for your lunch on your break from work, or give yourself as break from cooking one night and pick up tonight’s tea on your way home. It’s pretty damn convenient if you ask me!
https://www.crawshawbutchers.com/
WH Frost Butchers
This fantastic butchers in Chorlton not only serve expert cuts of meat to many of the city’s dining establishments but are also a shining example of how to use Twitter effectively and in an entertaining way for any business. Established in the early 70’s, the brilliantly named Jack Frost and his sons have been providing people with a vast array of beef, pork, lamb and everything else you could think of, including many lesser known cuts that you definitely wouldn’t find in your local Tesco.
W H Frost, 12-14 The Square, Chorlton, M21 9AQ
0161 881 8172
