More Than a Butcher: Twelve Years of Brace of Butchers in Poundbury
Brace of Butchers has been part of Poundbury for twelve years, and the connection to this community goes right back to the beginning. When the shop opened, it was partly at the encouragement of King Charles, then Prince of Wales, who was keen to have a butcher in Poundbury offering meat from the local Duchy Farm. That royal endorsement says something about the ambition, but it's what Ben and Lee have built since that makes the place what it is.
It's tucked just around the corner from Queen Mother Square, which means some people, particularly those new to Poundbury, walk straight past without realising it's there. That's easily remedied. If you haven't found Brace yet, make it your next errand. It won't take long before you wonder how you managed without it!
You can taste the welfare
This shapes everything: knowing where your meat came from, that the animal had a good life, and having a genuine relationship with the farmer, these aren't marketing points, they're how Brace of Butchers actually runs. Their beef comes from John Hoskins, lamb from Mike Yeandle in Nether Moignton, pork from Steve Lovelace in Bridport, poultry from Creedy Carver in Crediton, and turkeys from Mark Chilcott in Owermoigne. These are real names, real farms, real relationships, so if you ask Ben and Lee, they can tell you exactly where your meat came from.
The genesis of any meal
Ben puts it simply: "It's my firm belief that the root of any dish is in how the butcher prepares the cut. It's the genesis of any meal." That philosophy runs through the whole shop. The team — Ben and Lee at the butchery block, apprentice Tobyn learning the trade properly, and Henry and Billy on the deli — between them they have a real depth of knowledge about preparation, cuts, cooking times, and alternatives.
Ask them about underrated cuts. Slow-braised chuck tender is a firm winter favourite in Ben's own kitchen. And don't, he says, fear the pork chop: cooked right, it can be moist, delicious, and great value. And another tip: invest in a simple instant-read meat thermometer. You'll never overcook meat again.
The seasons, the shop, and the community
Twelve years of watching Poundbury grow has given Ben and Lee a particular perspective on this community. They've seen the shift to more young families, more life events to cater for, and they take quiet pride in serving both ends of that spectrum: the special occasion roast and the Tuesday night sausage and mash. "It's a pleasure to cater for the big life events but also to provide simple day-to-day food," says Ben.
Autumn is their favourite season, that shift from salads and lighter meals to comforting stews, Sunday roasts, and the food that brings people around a table. So do watch for seasonal specials as the weather turns.
The shop also stocks the Poundbury Good Things range from the Community Association of Poundbury: locally designed gifts, cards and keepsakes. "The range makes great gifts," says Ben. "Customers love supporting local initiatives, especially when they're so thoughtful and stylish." We're grateful to have them stocking it.
Bigger than it looks — and friendlier too
"We may look big and intimidating as a shop," admits Ben, "but you can find most things you're looking for within our doors, and at a price that might surprise you." Alongside the extensive meat counter, Brace carries a wide selection of bread, fresh produce, cheese, and deli goods. It's a proper local food shop, not just a butcher's counter. And they deliver!
A new member benefit: 10% off, January to November
We're delighted to welcome Brace of Butchers as our 18th Love Poundbury member benefit partner. From January through to November, CAofP members receive 10% off everything in the shop — with regular seasonal offers too. Full details on the Member Benefits page at lovepoundbury.org.
Brace of Butchers, on the Corner of Peverell Ave and Queen Mother Square, Poundbury; office@braceofbutchers.co.uk; (+44) 01305 260956
For more shopping, eating and services in Poundbury, see here.