The Village Butchers, Tottington

Reporter: Kevin Burke
Date online: 01 February 2011

The Village Butchers on Market Street, Tottington, was opened by Mark Lambert in 1987, and has established itself as one of the key businesses in the village.

Business has always been steady, with the recession and changing diets not putting a dent in its popularity. Why is a simple butcher’s shop so well-loved?

“We have got great service, good meat and good value for money, better than the supermarkets,” Mr Lambert explained. “We give advice to our customers about how to cook it, how to store it and how to add flavour to it.”

How have times changed? “We do a lot more barbeque food in the summer and a lot more convenience food, like stir fry and oven ready produce. On the other hand, we do a lot of leaner, healthy options. Chicken, for instance, has become more and more popular.”

Mr Lambert, aged 44, has lived in Tottington for his whole life, even going to school there. In this time, he’s seen a lot of retailers come and go, but his shop is as busy as it’s always been.

“It’s a lovely village. Free parking is great for my business, and all the people are very friendly. Everyone knows everyone’s name and we’re always welcoming to new customers.”

Ian Anstee, Tottington resident, said: “It’s a good butcher’s, because all the produce is from local farms. It’s prize-winning and award-winning, and the prices are very reasonable.

“He does home deliveries at times as well. Also, Mark is a bit of a character, making it a place to go back to.

“It’s ace.”