THE BUTTER chicken of a Leamington butcher is simply the best – and that’s official.
Aubrey Allen, was one of ten artisan butchers from across the UK to be crowned top of their class has at this year’s Smithfield Awards.
The Warwick Street-based butcher, won the ‘Kitchen Ready’ category 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.
And Aubrey Allen also took home the Best Butchers Display award 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 sausages, burgers, bacon, and steak.
Paul Shepheard from Aubrey Allen said: “We entered our Butter Chicken for this category because it’s been really popular with our customers for a number of years so we finally decided to put it forward and it has paid off! It’s got a really nice flavour and taste that’s not overpowering and it’s very well blended.”
Family-run for more than 90 years, Aubrey Allen supplies meat to top chefs and even royalty for Windsor Castle banquets.
