The concept of a local butcher is not one that I've really experienced for several years I have to admit. Not since the hazy, lazy days of my childhood has meat come from anything but a sleek looking packet, ready chopped, pre-prepped and ready to go. So when I moved into the vicinity of Barretts of Belsize on England's Lane I was intrigued.
Given the area, my initial thought was that I'd be paying through the nose for what had now become the cool way to shop - £8 for a single sausage that kind of thing - but that was not the case. I started my exploration of Barrett's burgeoning meat counter with some fantastic sausages, fat and herbed, some plump chicken breasts and a pork chop. All were rewardingly delicious and no more than supermarket prices - but it's the roasting joint that really makes or breaks a butcher if you ask me and so the day came when I decided to try out their beef.
I bought a topside - £9 and enough for 4 - and it came complete with cheerfully delivered cooking instructions and a recipe for yorkshires (I obviously looked like a bit of a roasting novice when I asked if I could cook it on a baking tray). I was also told to pinch a little hole in the bag whilst the beef was in the fridge to let it breathe - all of which made me think 'these guys know why they're doing.'
Having managed not to incinerate the beef joint and having cooked and rested it exactly to instructions, it was time to eat it with yorkshires, peas, parsnips, green beans and carrots. I don't know if I was getting caught up in the whole experience but I swear the meet tasted better. Sweeter, juicier, more tender - it made sense as it hasn't been shut in a packet since being slaughtered. It looked nicer too and it didn't have that odd chemical smell when meat comes out of a packet.
So I would highly recommend Barretts of Belsize (as would the queues that snake out of the shop door every weekend...). Whether you want a roasting joint, fry up fare or a bit of sausage banter it's a great option for a meat n greet…
www.barrettsbutchers.co.uk/
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