Leamington Spa butcher, Aubrey Allen, has scooped two prestigious national awards at this year’s Smithfield Awards, announced at Butchers’ Hall in London last week.

One of ten artisan butchers from across the UK to be crowned top of their class, the Leamington Spa butcher’s Hornet Sausage secured top spot in the Innovative Sausage category, while their Coronation Sausage Roll clinched the award for the best ‘Simply Cook’ product.

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 69 points out of a possible 70, Aubrey Allen’s Hornet Sausage was described by judges as “amazing with a lovely texture, sweet to begin with, then a fiery sting in the tail at the end” and beat seven other finalists to secure the top spot and receive the coveted Diamond Award.

The Leamington Spa butcher was also awarded Gold status for its Turkish Kofte with Tomato and Herb Sauce, Salt Beef Cottage Pie and Free Range Cornish Coastal Lamb Adana Kebab.

In a new format for this year’s awards, renowned Irish butcher, Pat Whelan, took part in an “In Conversation with…” style interview which had the entire audience spellbound as he shared his knowledge, experience and vision for James Whelan butchers to become a legacy brand. This led to a final Q&A session leaving members truly inspired with numerous anecdotes and pointers to take back to their respective businesses.

Family-run for more than 80 years, Aubrey Allen supplies meat to top chefs and even the Queen for Windsor Castle banquets! In their shop on Warwick Street they sell a range of high quality, naturally reared meats, alongside chef-prepared meals, cooked meats, charcuterie and homemade cheeses.

For more information visit aubreyallen.co.uk.