Mr. Potter's Emporium

These days it's nigh on impossible to find a real butcher. In our village we're really lucky to have Mr. Potter – aka Chris.

C.R. Potter & Sons is a family business and has been around for many years – more accurately it should be “Chris Potter & Daughters” since both Cass and Kelly are involved in the business! Chris is famous for home-made sausages and burgers, marinades – everything you could want for the BBQ and then some. There's every cut of meat you could wish for and if you can't see it, ask! You'll always be assured of a warm welcome from Chris and his guys – Gary, front of house, who has been with Chris boy and man – I've never seen anyone tie a boned loin of pork so fast! More recently Alan became a valuable part of the team and Shaun looks after my beef cheeks order. These guys are really good at what they do and if you want help they'll gladly give it. You're also guaranteed a smile.

Interestingly Chris has had deals for years that the supermarkets have copied – a choice of any 3 trays for £10 and the choice is varied from braising steak, to pork loin chops, to rump steak and the home-made sausages.

On a humorous note, a while ago Chris was kind enough to let me loose where all the work happens – for a vegetarian it was work experience like no other! I needed a stool to reach the mincing machine and the guy who taught me how to link sausages had the patience of a saint!

Oh – by the way – if you want the more exotic meats, that's no problem either.

The major supermarkets have swallowed up a lot of quality businesses. Those that have survived should continue but will only do so if we support them. So, if you're passing, go visit the guys at C.R. Potter & Sons, 22 Spencer Parade, Stanwick NN9 6QJ 01933 622232.