Our Cumbrian Food Hall Butchery Supervisor, Connor Carrick, has been shortlisted for the 2024 ‘Young Butcher of the Year’ award which will be announced at the Q Guild of Butcher’s Smithfield Awards luncheon in London this Wednesday.

The Q Guild represent the best independent butchery businesses in the country and the Young Butcher of the Year category is designed to recognise and reward the UK’s up and coming talent who represent the very future of the industry sector.

Peter Potts, our Senior Area Retail Manager, said; “We are all thrilled for Connor, he has shown himself to be a natural in the craft, whether it’s his excellent counter displays, advising customers or perfecting every cut.  We are proud that Connor’s butchery talent has been recognised by the wider industry and will be cheering him on this Wednesday!’

Connor started here at Cranstons in 2015, as a part-time student, working in the fruit and veg section of the Food Hall. Driven by his own dedication and passion for working with food, he secured a Butchery Apprenticeship after his a-Levels. Guided by experienced mentors he flew through his apprenticeship and has become a highly valued member of our butchery team.  He was recently promoted to the position of Butchery Supervisor in our flagship Cumbrian Food Hall.

Connor said “When working as a student I really admired the work of the butchery team. The seemingly effortless skill and precision they showed with the knife was impressive and learning the craft really appealed to me’’

And continued ‘’ I will always be thankful that I was able to undertake an apprenticeship, it has been a great start to my career and since qualifying I have enjoyed mentoring new apprentices along with progressing in my role. It is great to be recognised by the Q Guild as they are known for being the most skilled butchers in the country!’

Good Luck in London Connor!