As always, a very busy trading period through December melted away to a very peaceful Christmas with family and friends for the Meat London Team. Now that New Year is also behind us, we can regroup and think about the year ahead. A huge ‘Thanks’ to all of our customers for the great support we received through the very busy days that preceded Christmas day. As always, our Team were treated with kindness and understanding as we did our best to keep the queues moving and the line short. We have also had some very generous feedback regarding the poultry, meat, cheese and charcuterie that we supplied, and that’s what makes it all worth it.
As is becoming usual, I don’t think anyone needs to hear from me about food and wine in January, but I do have some bitter/sweet news from the Company.
After nearly fifteen years, the original business partner, and the inspiration behind Meat London, Richard Jocelyn, has decided to step away from the company. The sale of Richard’s shares happened just before Christmas.
Richard had the foresight, way back in 2011, to see that Stoke Newington Church Street would benefit from a good butcher’s shop. He had a friend who liked the idea, and I was recruited to bring the ‘butchery’. The third partner stepped down very early on, and Richard and I have guided the business ever since. We have a third Director on the board and a fourth Shareholder, who joined us as an investor. With no background in the food industry, other than that of an enthusiastic foodie, Richard has been the calming influence and rational thinker in the times when I was too close to the action to see the bigger picture. As I have gone about running the shops on a daily basis, Richard has supported my plans, schemes and ideas with an enthusiasm that has given me confidence in some tricky circumstances, and Richard has ensured that I have never been ‘alone’ to deal with whatever has been the latest issue.
It is a sad day for me and Meat London, but it is a triumphant sign that we have generated a business that will reward its founders for the belief and cavalier spirit that makes us all want to do it in the first place. Richard is a Stokey local, and many of our customers will know him and see him in the street. His decision at this time has been made for personal reasons, as he plans the next phase of his life. If you do see him in the street, maybe shake his hand and pat him on the back. Richard has played an integral part in bringing a great addition to the residents of Stoke Newington.
A quick reminder that 25th January brings us Burn’s Night, as we celebrate the great Scottish poet. We have plenty of Haggis making its way South of the border. I expect it to be in the shops around 15th January.
There will also be a Haggis, Tatties and Neeps lunch on sale from the Meat N16 Garden on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January.
We are happily taking orders.
