A Lanarkshire butcher set the gold standard at a prestigious industry prizegiving.
Hugh Black & Sons scooped top Smithfield Awards for its pork links, black pudding and ribeye fillet steaks.
More than 200 products were put forward by butchers from up and down the UK for evaluation in this year’s awards, which were organised by the Q Guild of Butchers.
After their triple gold success, Hugh Black & Sons, which has shops in Airdrie and Coatbridge, as well as Cambuslang, Wishaw, Lanark and Carluke are now off to London next month to see if their sausages, black pudding or steaks will pick up the coveted Diamond Award, presented to the best of the best in each of the 11 categories.
A cook-off, selected from a shortlist of the Diamond Award winners, will be judged at Butchers Hall on the day of the awards by an esteemed panel of judges to determine which product from which butcher butcher will be crowned Supreme Champion and awarded the Smithfield Platinum Award..
The Smithfield Awards recognise and reward the best meat products from butchers across the UK, showcasing their craftsmanship, innovation and skill.
Hugh Black & Sons’ products were judged at an extensive judging sessions at the City of Glasgow College last month by respected industry professionals, journalists and foodies.
Products were evaluated using a points system, with the best products awarded bronze, silver or gold.
Hugh Black from Hugh Black & Sons said: “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve received three gold awards from the esteemed Q Guild of Butchers.
“These awards not only serve as a prestigious industry endorsement but also highlight the skill and innovation of our team.
“Here’s to the possibility of our products being crowned the best in the UK.”
Gordon Wallace, Q Guild manager, added: “The Smithfield Awards serve as a platform to highlight the pinnacle of craft butchery, elevating standards and inspiring product innovation.
“This year, over 200 products were submitted by Q Guild butchers from across the UK, marking it as the meat trade’s foremost and most rigorous product evaluation event.
“Achieving a gold award is a significant accomplishment, and we extend our best wishes to Hugh Black & Sons as we approach our upcoming award ceremony.”
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