Hanham Common Butchers has come away with a host of successes at the Taste of the West Awards.
The judges awarded them Gold for their traditional pork sausage, caramelised onion sausage and Toulouse sausages, while their fiery Welsh Dragon sausages were Highly Commended. The butchers also won Gold for their chilli beef burgers, cracked black pepper burgers, beef and onion burgers, and their homemade faggots.
Shop owner Dave Wilkins said: “The Awards ceremony was really good. We did walk away with Champion product in the beef burger, faggot and meatball category with our beef and onion burger, so our burgers are the best in the South West. We also picked up champion product for our sausages at the Agrifest South West in Exeter. So for the last year we have won 24 awards across all competitions.”
Dave and his partner Tina Gozratook took over Hanham Common Butchers in April 2023, when the previous owners – Rob Packer and Frank Kenny – were looking to wind down. The shop in Memorial Road has been an established business for 18 years and has won 13 previous Taste of the West awards.
Dave’s career in butchery started with a part-time job at a local butcher shop during his school days, originally just to earn some pocket money. Over the years, Dave worked in various butcher shops, gaining experience in all aspects of the trade—from the farm and slaughterhouse to the retail shop. This experience deepened his understanding of the process and reinforced his commitment to quality and sustainability.
Hanham Common Butchers supplies products to various businesses and charities in Hanham and throughout Bristol. Some of its clients include care homes and charitable organisations, and the shop donates meat packs to local schools. The shop hosts a weekly competition where community members have the chance to win a meat hamper.
Dave Wilkins said: “The shop is well-established and loved by the community, where we offer a variety of high-quality, locally sourced meats, including sausages, burgers, kebabs, and faggots made from a 200-year-old recipe, all crafted on site. We also provide a selection of deli meats such as ham, beef, and turkey, along with of cheeses, chutneys, and sauces. Many of our recipes have remained the same since the butcher shop first opened.”