Newsletters

While we were away it was remarkably warm, in fact ‘hot’, on the mountain. I am reliably informed that London shared the same weather, and the Team report that the people of North London wasted no time in getting the BBQ out, which was fortuitous as we had our first order of Weber charcoal, briquettes, fire lighter’s and smoking woods delivered just the week before. We’re ready.

It was very disappointing this week to hear that our supplier of Pork Pies and Scotch Eggs has ceased trading. They are the first of our suppliers to stop this year, but I fear that they won’t be the last. Gessica has already got a pie producer lined up, but we have to check out the quality and think about logistics.

On a more positive note, we have some very good pie makers at our disposal. Without question, Chris Brumby at ‘My Pie’ is producing possibly the best hot meat pies in London. Chris is an Aussie who came to London as a Chef. I got to know Chris many years ago, when I was supplying a restaurant where he was working as Head Chef. On leaving the restaurant, and after a couple false starts, and some serious dedication, he has now developed My Pie into a hugely successful business. The individual size pies are a good portion and always full of delicious fillings in a soft pastry crust. At Meat London, we are slowly gathering a supportive customer base for the pies, and we have seen a steady increase in sales through the winter. Either on their own or with a healthy helping of mash and gravy, this is a pie that I would suggest you, our customer, should be trying out. As the first week of March is National Pie Week, our Deli Team have conjured up a super price promotion to add to the fun. What’s not to like!

Do you remember, I started the November Newsletter by highlighting Abe Faraway, the young man who won our very first Meat NW5 Easter painting competition? Well, I was very quickly reprimanded for overlooking the delightful Martha Newman, who, at 8 years of age, won the Stokey Pokey Sausage competition with her delicious Pork, Quince and Gorgonzola sausage. Martha also went on to join our team this summer, at Meat N16. Martha is a keen rower, and spends much of her time on the water during term time. However, she will be back to help us through the Christmas period. How lovely, and how lucky we are …

Whilst we never aim to be a gift shop, there can be no doubt that we have some great gift ideas this year. Headlining is our fabulous new Meat London Champagne. We have teamed up with Pierre Mignon, from the village of Le Breuil, to produce the first bottles to carry our name. It’s delicious and a lot of fun as the party season swings into motion. Give it a go. Gessica has also taken on a trio of fabulous Riojas, including a Crianza, a Tempranillo and a Reserva, packaged in an attractive carry box. The shops have an ever growing selection of fabulous Ports and Sherries, and we have recently taken stock of a delicious Limoncello and a Meloncello.

We know you’ve been waiting in anticipation for London’s most coveted, and competitive, competition. I’m pleased to announce the details of the Stokey Pokey Sausage Competition, 2024.

You’ll notice all your favourite sausages adorn the Meat London cabinets each week, from the traditional Cumberland or Toulouse sausages, to the Chicken Sage & Onion or Lamb Merguez sausage. Everyone has their favourites. Those that fancy trying something a little different will also notice a ‘Sausage of The Week’. Our team like to come up with all kinds of flavour combinations to create a sausage that you’re unlikely to have tried before. It adds to the variety we offer, and, of course, keeps the butchers thinking of fresh new ideas. Well, now it’s your turn.

August saw Meat N16 complete its thirteenth year. It’s remarkable. We opened here, on Stoke Newington Church Street, in 2011. Where have the years gone? From an idea, and a wish, from two local guys, the shop was born. We remind ourselves that we set up to open on the Thursday morning, but on Wednesday evening, as we stood around admiring our new venture, a local put his head through the door and asked what we were doing. I sold him a Sirloin Steak and we have always claimed to have opened a day early! It has been such a great journey. Only Troy, who is now at Meat N6, and I still remain from day one. My business partner, Richard is still with me, but that’s it. As I have said many times, any retail business will only succeed if the customers want it and use it. The Stokey people certainly want their local shops. I am proud that we can boast many customers who have been coming since day one, and their interest and enthusiasm is intoxicating. Whilst I still love every day of being here, I am too old to imagine still being here in 13 more years, so I am going to remember the first 13 fondly, and enjoy as many more as we can fit in.

As was widely tipped, and greatly expected, we have a new government to lead us through the next five years. Well, I’m not a political commentator, and I wouldn’t claim to be an expert on the subject, but I am happy to live in a country where we can value our freedom and enjoy the principles of democracy. After weeks of canvassing, arguing and general ballyhoo, I was greatly encouraged to see the opening parliamentary speeches as the reds moved to the speakers right, and the blues to the left. In my opinion, Rishi Sunak spoke with grace and generosity as he handed over the baton. However, I was most struck by his heartfelt, and kind, words for, and to, Diane Abbot. Whilst making it clear that they obviously do not share the same views and political opinions, he was able to appreciate her many years in Parliament, and her distinguished leadership of the Borough of Hackney. In fact, Rishi was warm in his praise of her becoming the ‘mother of the house’. In listening to the speech, and considering Diane Abbots dedication to her beliefs, and her willingness to stand by them at all costs, I couldn’t help but see parallels within our own business. 

So, the sun came out at last. There was definitely a collective sigh of relief over North London, and that wonderful odour that only a BBQ can offer was all around. Of course, as the thermostat rose, so our fridges decided to have a bit of fun with us. The deli counters at both NW5 and N16 stopped working and the air-con at N16 also had a little wobble. Enter stage right the wonderful James, laden with his tool belt, pumps, gas bottles, blow torches, batteries, bits of string and an elastic band. Our fantastic fridge engineer has looked after us for many years and is one of the best in the business. James also comes with a ready smile and an assurance that we are worrying over nothing (providing we pay on time!). We’re up and running again, and everything is cold. Good old James.

I have had reason to be in Central London twice in recent weeks, and it’s amazing how busy it is. There are so many tourists around, and last week, on Thursday evening, I was turned away from five restaurants, as they were all full. Good for the hotel, restaurant and tourist trade. It’s brilliant, and goes to show what an amazing draw London is. However, the present political determination to prevent foreign nationals from working in Britain is hurting the hospitality sector immeasurably. There has been a huge, unfillable hole created that is not going to be filled any time soon by ‘home grown’, skilled workers. As I look around our very cosmopolitan company, and consider our international team, I wonder how many of them would be allowed to come to London to work today? It’s very difficult for employers.