The North East's Leading Meat and Fish Retailers

A Cut Above Meat Company 

All the beef here comes from the company’s own herd of pedigree British Limousins, which are raised naturally in a cruelty- and hormone-free way. That means their cuts are super-tender and you get a rosy karmic glow with every bite into the bargain.

Cornsay, Durham DH7 9EL
07980 707454 www.facebook.com/ACutAboveMeatCo 

AV Fawcett & Sons 

The Fawcett family have been running this butchers since 1900, which gives you some idea of both their extreme competence in the art of butchery and the esteem in which they’re held locally. They stock meats from local farms – the beef is raised within six miles of the shop – and their sausages are regular award-winners too.

Ingleby Greenhow, Great Ayton TS9 6LL
01642 722406 www.av-fawcett.co.uk 

C Nicholson & Son 

Now into the fourth generation of family owners and 102 years on from their opening, Nicholson's Butchers remains a Whitley Bay institution. Their suppliers are impeccable – try the free-range chickens from Herb Fed Poultry in North Yorkshire or organic beef and lamb from Morris Graham in Morpeth – and their home-cured bacon has been known to reduce people to tears of joy.

140 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3QN
0191 252 5250 www.nicholsonsbutchers.co.uk

Charlotte’s Butchery 

It’s quite something to see someone so young make such an impact on the regional food scene having only opened her shop a little under four years ago, but Charlotte Harbottle is fanatical about quality meat and matches her enthusiasm with fine butchery skills and an extensive knowledge of international recipes in which to use her cuts. 

Ashburton Road, Gosforth NE3 4XN
0191 285 1988 www.charlottesbutchery.blogspot.co.uk

Geordie Banger Company 

For a Geordie take on traditional, hand-crafted sausages visit these sausage-wizards. They’ll be more than happy to introduce you to their newest and most popular examples, including the pork with leek sausage, the Wor Cumberland and, of course, the Geordie Banger itself. 

Unit 3, North Shields NE30 1JG
07854 940489 www.facebook.com/GeordieBangerCo 

George Payne Butchers 

This shop, which is nearing its 30th anniversary, is renowned for sourcing locally-reared meat products, particularly organic poultry and rare breeds of beef, lamb and pork. George has won Northumbria Butcher of the Year in the past and was runner-up at the Butchers Q Guild BBQ Competition this year, as well as being one of Rick Stein’s Food Heroes.

27 Princes Road, Brunton Park
Gosforth NE3 5TT
0191 236 2992 www.georgepaynebutchers.co.uk

The Goat Company 

Lean, low-cholesterol goat meat is on the up and up – if you’ve ever had Caribbean curry made with goat you’ll be in no doubt as to why. The Goat Company has been breeding Boer goats for a decade, and now have a herd of more than 160. Their meat’s fully traceable, and it’s available in a variety of cuts.

Rothley North Fell, Longwitton
Morpeth NE61 4JT
01670 774400 www.thegoatcompany.com 

Harlow’s 

This fishmonger and shellfish merchant turned 21 this year, and in that time it’s established itself as one of the best in the North East – there’s an aquarium’s-worth of fresh, smoked and frozen fish, plus locally caught crab and Shetland mussels. On top of that, you can get free delivery if you live in Hartlepool.

43 Northgate, Hartlepool TS24 OJX
01429 231573 www.harlowsfish.co.uk 

Hodgson Fish 

This group of shops is beloved of Michelin-starred chefs including Tommy Banks and James Mackenzie as well as discerning seafood fans generally, and small wonder: every morning its own fleet of boats plucks fish from the icy waters of the North Sea and has them in the shops by 9am. They’re an institution.

5 Whitby Street, Hartlepool TS24 7AD
01429 273169
Danby Fisheries, Danby Wynd, Yarm TS15 9SF
01642 790051
Roberts, Dovecot Street, Stockton TS18 1LH
01642 607724
www.hodgsonfish.co.uk 

JD Hall Butchers 

Pick up an array of meats here at this friendly, highly-regarded butchers, which is the kind of place which makes the heart swell with civic pride. On top of the usual suspects, there's a good range of continental meats and deli products on offer here.

2 Hill Street, Corbridge NE45 5AA
01434 632005 www.castlebankbutchers.co.uk

Latimer’s 

This is more than just a brilliant fishmongers – it’s an all-round celebration of fruits de mer. Their fish is landed daily at Eyemouth, Boulmer, Blyth, North Shields and Sunderland, and they’re as skilled in advising how best to cook it as they are at prepping it. Their platters are a kind of greatest hits package for the North Sea, and include local langoustines, crab and oysters.

Shell Hill, Bents Road
Whitburn SR6 7NT
0191 529 2200 www.latimers.com

Lindisfarne Oysters 

The oyster beds at Lindisfarne have been an integral part of life in this part of the North East for centuries – one historian reckons they go back to 1381. Husband and wife team John and Heather Sutherland don’t go back quite that far, though their experience isn’t inconsiderable – they’ve been farming some of the best seafood in the country here since 1953.

West House, Ross Farm
Belford NE70 7EN
01668 213870 www.lindisfarneoysters.co.uk

L Robson & Sons 

If you were to build a library of smells which sum up the North East, you'd need to include the whiff you get outside L Robson & Sons’ base by Craster harbour – the salty breeze mingled with the smokey tang from their warehouse has been a defining aspect of the village for nearly a century. Their fish are oak smoked in the same time-honoured way they always have been. Why mess with perfection?

Haven Hill, Craster NE66 3TR
01665 576223 www.kipper.co.uk

The Northumbrian Quality Meats

This farm's got awards and accreditations coming out of its ears (metaphorically speaking), and has been lauded as an exemplar of sustainable farming techniques too. The supple, tender Wagyu beef they sell under the Northumbrian Wagyu banner is extraordinary.

Monkridge Hill Farm, West Woodburn
Hexham NE48 2TU
01434 270184 www.northumbrianqualitymeats.co.uk

Raby Castle Estate

One of the region’s finest medieval castles produces some of the region’s finest venison and game like pheasant, grouse, partridge and woodcock on its estate. As well as the castle’s tearooms, the estate supplies the two-Michelin star Raby Hunt, which is quite an endorsement.

Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH
01833 660202 www.rabycastle.com

R Carter & Son 

R Carter & Son have been the village butcher in Bamburgh for more than 125 years and work with local farmers to source their lamb, beef and pork. Their sausage rolls are legendary, but their home-smoked bacon isn’t too far behind.

3–4 Front Street, Bamburgh NE69 7BW
01668 214344 www.bamburghbutcher.co.uk

R Martins Butchers 

The service at R Martins Butchers is second to none – the team of friendly, knowledgable butchers are always on hand to offer advice on cuts and cooking. Their meat is locally sourced and they also do a great range of seasonal offerings; as big rugby fans, they regularly cook up Six Nations sausages – one for every competing nation.

21 Newgate Street, Morpeth NE61 1AW
01670 719155 www.martinsthebutcher.co.uk

R Turnbull’s & Sons 

A sixth-generation butchers that never rests on its laurels, R Turnbull’s & Sons began life as a good, reliable butcher but, in more recent years, has expanded its range and now stocks a great range of pies and pastries too. Turnbull’s does ready meals, buffets and outdoor catering, a BBQ range and, of course, great cuts of local meat. 

33–35 Market Street, Alnwick NE66 1SS
01665 602186 www.turnbullsofalnwick.co.uk

Ridley’s Fish and Game 

Here you’ll find a great selection of meat from land-based animals including cock pheasant, red grouse and even wild Cheviot kid goat meat – we kid you not. If you’re in the mood for fish, their selection of produce from the sea – including cod, haddock and catfish – might just whet your appetite. 

Unit 15, Acomb Industrial Estate
Acomb, near Hexham NE46 4SA
01434 609246 www.ridleysfishandgame.co.uk

Rothbury Family Butchers 

Traditional butchery mixed with a modern penchant for exotic meat, Rothbury Family Butchers have everything from pork and beef to kangaroo and zebra. They also make more than 30 varieties of sausage, have won awards for their bangers and have an onsite delicatessen stocking a range of delicious light bites. 

Townfoot, Rothbury NE65 7SS
01669 620744 www.rothburyfamilybutchers.co.uk

Swallow Fish 

All manner of locally-caught seafood is on offer at Swallow Fish, whether you fancy a side of smoked salmon, some cod to go with your chips or even a whole lobster, you can find it here. Buy online or visit the shop and The Fisherman’s Kitchen.

2 South Street, Seahouses NE68 7RB
01665 721052 www.swallowfish.co.uk

Taylor Seafood 

Taylor Seafood can be found on North Shields Fish Quay and displays its fresh local fish catches daily from Monday to Saturday. Crab, whole fish, a range of both frozen and ready-to-eat seafood and made-to-order seafood platters are all on offer.

3 Cliffords Fort, North Shields NE30 1JE
0191 257 1555 www.taylorseafood.co.uk

Tees View 

Tees View specialise in lamb, mutton and pork and sell their meat vacuum-packed, meaning it can be used straight away or kept in the freezer for later. Check out their website to order online and to get some inspiration for using their meat from their handy recipes section.

West End, Tees View, Gainford DL2 3DX
07784 187251 www.teesview.co.uk

Well Hung and Tender

Blending modern and traditional methods, all this company’s Aberdeen Angus cattle are grass-fed and the meat is hung for a minimum of four weeks to ensure the tastiest cuts. The name might be a bit Carry On Butcher, but they take their meat seriously here. 

Castlehills Farm, Berwick TD15 1PB
01289 303070 www.wellhungandtender.com

William Peat Butchers 

As the oldest butchers in Teesdale, you can safely assume that William Peat Butchers know what they’re doing. Locally sourced beef and lamb is on offer, as is Yorkshire’s best pork and poultry. Don’t forget to stop into the deli next door for a pie or a bit of cheese to take home too.

25 & 29 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle DL12 8LH
01833 638123

Robson & Sons (Hexham) Ltd 

Robson & Sons is a traditional family butchers which has been supplying quality meat to the public and catering sector since 1894. They’re known for both their friendly personal service and their popular award-winning sausages that are made daily on the premises.    

2 Meal Market, Hexham, NE46 1NF
01434 602049 www.facebook.com/robsonbutchers