Young butcher of the year

I finally got the chance to watch the rest of “Chop Idol” – Young Butcher of the Year.  A cracking show with very high quality contestants and a very deserving winner.  And another Sausage King (but more on him later).  This is a show which celebrates some unsung heroes of the butchery world and, for me at least, this was edge of the seat viewing.  Five of the countries best young butchers fought for the title through four gruelling challenges.

The show was presented by the very appropriately named George Lamb and he was joined by two expert judges.  Justin Preston (Allens of Mayfair) and David Lishman (Lishmans of Ilkley).

The contestants were: Gary Raeburn (Forbes Raeburn and Sons), Jim Sutcliffe (Meridian Meats), Emily McKiness from Hampshire, Chris Lacey (M P Honnor) and Tim Hanks from Herefordshire.

The winner was Jim Sutcliffe (Meridian Meats) who came out on top over the four gruelling challenges.  He beat off some very stiff competition to win and I can’t wait to get up to Lincolnshire again for a Sausage King Adventure to meet him.  You can read his blog here.

Criticism of the programme from some papers is unfair.  It’s not x-factor, there is no voting and rather than making fools of themselves the contestants did some sensible butchery tasks.  The show wasn’t judged by the public but by two well thought of professionals from the industry.

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