A BUTCHER has hailed his "incredible customers" after being voted the best in north and mid Essex by our readers. 

The winner of our 'Your Favourite Butchers, Deli, or Farm Shop' award 2024 has been revealed as Meatline in Maldon. 

Members of the public were asked to vote for their favourite butchers, deli or farm shop. 

The four runners up were Blackwells Farm Shop, in Coggeshall; A.Wilsher & Son in Marks Tey; Pier Avenue Butchers, Clacton and Layer Marney Meats, Colchester. 

Meatline, in West Station Industrial Estate, managed to beat all the competition.

Terry, owner of Meatline, said: “We owe this victory to our incredible customers who have supported us through thick and thin. It’s an honour to serve this community.

"We cannot thank you enough for your support over the years and specifically in this competition.”

To thank customers for their support Meatline will be creating a limited edition commemorative sausage – “The Champion Banger”.

A Meatline spokesman said: "Receiving an accolade is really what sets a company apart from the competition, something Meatline works really hard to do.

"We feel that winning this contest really validates our quality of product and service, something we work very hard to achieve and that our customers clearly appreciate."

Meatline is the original meat outlet store, selling all kinds of butcher's goods.

The spokesman continued: "Meatline can’t maintain these standards without a dedicated team of Butchers and Butcheretts. Terry and Jasmine do a fantastic job in store taking the time to find the right product for each customer.

"They will cut joints, slice steaks and trim to size for you in-store whilst talking through cooking methods and recipes.

"Winning this competition makes all their hard work worthwhile, Meatline is so proud of them and their effort.

"However, none of this can be done without our loyal customers, who have become familiar with our 'High Welfare – Better Quality – Right Price' Meatline guarantee."