Warnham butcher wins awards

Adrian Bailey, of A&R Bailey’s in Warnham, received champion awards at the BPEX Regional Butchers Roadshow based at the South of England Showground.

The titles were for their Gammon Steaks in the Home Cured Gammon category, Individual Pork Pie in the Traditional Pork Pie category, and Beef Cottage Pie in the Ready Meal category.

He was among 21 butchers who attended the event, submitting over 160 products for evaluation across 12 categories.

As well as the trio of titles, Adrian took away nine gold, four silver and three bronze awards for other products he entered.

Adrian, who owns the firm, said: “I’m really chuffed; this is the best result we’ve had by far.

“It just goes to show that the feedback we’ve had previously has been taken on board and products improved as a result.

“The recipes are the same, however this year we paid particular attention to our presentation and getting everything 100 per cent perfect.

“We start with good quality ingredients, which is absolutely crucial.

“All of our pork is free range and sourced from a local company just 15 miles away.

“Everything is then prepared and made by hand on the premises. Our gammon is cured and smoked on site, our range of ready meals are prepared from scratch and made to our own special recipes, as are our pies.

“The recognition we get from entering these events really spurs us on, but it is the feedback from the professional judges who have been at the very top of their game that is most important to us.”

He added: “To get gold awards is a fantastic achievement, add three category champion titles to that and we’re over the moon.”