A SOLIHULL butcher has scooped a prestigious national award.
Mills won the Diamond award in the Ready Meal category with its Lamb Keema Wellington at the Smithfield Awards, which is recognised as the meat trade’s most high profile and challenging product evaluation.
Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, the awards which have run for more than 30 years, recognise and reward the UK’s finest craft butchery products including sausages, bacon, burgers, steak, game products, BBQ products and more.
Products are awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold award by a panel of independent industry judges, with all Gold products in each category then pitched against each for the category champion Diamond Award.
Scoring a remarkable 69 points out of a possible 70, Mills Butchers’ Lamb Keema Wellington impressed judges and was described as ‘a superb product with great flavour, pastry and spices’.
The coveted Diamond Award was presented to Mills Butchers by Professor John Gilliland, an expert on sustainable agriculture and food security.
John Hewitt from Mills Butchers said: “We’re from Birmingham so curries are a massive thing for us.
“The boss’s favourite curry is a Lamb Keema so we made this for him and then it became a massive hit with customers. We’ve put our heart and soul into this so we’re delighted to win this award.”
Gordon Wallace, Q Guild Manager said: “The standard of entries this year was as high as ever, making Mill Butchers achievement even more impressive.
“Being crowned best in class is a fantastic accomplishment. We were delighted to present them with this award, which not only recognises the exceptional quality of their products but also contributes to raising industry standards and driving innovation in the craft butchery sector.”
