A KENDAL butcher has been named as the best in the country at the 2023 Countryside Alliance Awards.

The awards ceremony, held at the House of Lords on Wednesday, May 17, saw owner Robert Unwin and shop manager Evonne Sowerby collect the National Butcher Award.

The awards are especially coveted because they are driven by public nominations.

The title is designed to celebrate the butcher who provides a link between local people and the farms and fields that surround them.

Roast Mutton opened its doors on Woolpack Yard less than two years ago, and ever since, owner Robert has set out his stall to deliver something special in Kendal, proudly showcasing the region's finest quality produce in his shop.

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All of this has enabled him to realise his vision to bring high-quality farm-to-table eating to the town, selling only locally reared heritage and rare breed grass-fed beef, lamb, and mutton, as well as pork, poultry, and carefully selected locally sourced game.

The judges commenting on Robert's achievements remarked: "It is a measure of Robert’s success that in several months, he has built up a phenomenal fanbase.

"You will certainly see folks queuing regularly outside his Kendal shop.

"They are enthused by Rob's passion as much as his fabulous produce.

"His pride in local sourcing is second to none, as is his nose-to-tail approach to butchery."

Roast Mutton’s owner Robert Unwin commented: "I'd like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for me.

"We are over the moon, and it still hasn't really sunk in.

"We all care about what we do, and this recognises what we wanted to try and achieve for our customers.

"We care about what we source, how it’s reared, and where we source our produce from, we go to great lengths to get to know each and every farmer we work with, many of whom can be found within a 20-mile radius of the shop.

"Each and every one of them is as passionate as we are about creating high quality, great tasting, and ethically reared produce.

"And what’s clear from this award is that our customers care about where their food comes from too and that means the world to everyone involved because that's why we go to the lengths we do."