Leamington Spa butcher, Aubrey Allen, has scooped a prestigious national award at this year’s Smithfield Awards, announced at Butchers’ Hall in London last week.

One of ten artisan butchers from across the UK to be crowned top of their class, the Leamington Spa butcher, won the ‘Kitchen Ready’ category, sponsored by Verstegen, for its Butter Chicken, in what is widely recognised as the meat trade’s most high profile and challenging product evaluation.  

Aubrey Allen’s Butter Chicken achieved full marks with an exceptional 70 out of a possible 70 points and was described by judges as ‘a premium product, with a creamy, buttery, smooth taste.’

The butcher also received a further seven Gold Awards - the highest possible rating from the Guild and the most awarded to a single butcher in 2026 - for its Sweet & Spicy Home Cured Bacon, Wagyu Ribeye Steak, Wagyu Fillet Steak on the Bone, Clonakilty Black Pudding Pork Pie, Blythburgh Free Range Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Coronation Chicken Scotch Egg and Dry Aged Grass-fed Beef, Bone Marrow and Parsley Burger.

Aubrey Allen also took home the Best Butchers Display award, sponsored by Dalesman, for its standout showcase of craftsmanship, combining striking visual appeal with meticulous care, precision and professionalism.

Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, the awards which have run for more than 30 years, recognise and reward the UK’s finest craft butchery products including Traditional Pork Sausage, Best Burger, Home-Cured Bacon, BBQ Product and Best Butchers Steak.

Products are awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold award by a panel of independent industry judges, with all Gold products in each category then pitched against each for the category champion Diamond Award. The coveted Diamond Award was presented to Aubrey Allen by Dr Carrie Ruxton, one of the UK’s most respected voices in nutrition, public health messaging and evidence-based food communication.

Family-run for more than 90 years, Aubrey Allen supplies meat to top chefs and even the Queen for Windsor Castle banquets! In their shop on Warwick Street they sell a range of high quality, naturally reared meats, alongside chef-prepared meals, cooked meats, charcuterie and homemade cheeses.

For more information visit the website.