Inside popular Shrewsbury butchers as UK prepares for barbecue week

It's been quite a journey too. From starting as an apprentice at Beaman and Sons butchers in Bridgnorth, he spent seven years in Spain, running his own shop.

On his return, he took the reins at a second Beaman’s butchers shop in Low Town, Bridgnorth.

And in 2019, he opened Bradley’s Butchers and Delicatessen, which he runs with wife Diane.

With more than 30 years of experience, Jason has lost none of his enthusiasm for the job he does.

"It's fabulous. It's a great way of meeting people," he says.

"We have brilliant customers for all parts of the business – our cafe, the hot food takeaway and the butchery side. It really is action all areas!

"It's meeting those customers which makes the job for me. You are dealing with people all day long and they become your friends.

"I have known some for more than 20 years. You look after them and they appreciate you."

After running Beamans in Low Town for over 20 years, Jason and Diane had often talked about opening another shop.

The opportunity to make Shrewsbury a base came in 2018 when the property on London Road became vacant.

"It was a huge project to kit out such a vast space," says Diane.

"We took time to make sure it was just what we wanted.

"We were able to open our doors in March 2019 and set about re-introducing local shopping to the community."

Jason adds: "We have been here for nearly six years now. You have ups and downs, such as through Covid and what have you but we are firing on all cylinders now."

Covid-19 hit everyone hard, Diane admits.

"But we were so fortunate to be able to trade through it and to welcome more customers," she adds.

"We started to deliver locally to those who were unable to get to us and had a hugely positive response not only to the quality of our meat compared to that of the supermarket but also to the idea of more localised shopping."

The business saw an opportunity to adapt and expanded in May 2022 when Bradley's Butchers opened a coffee lounge on the mezzanine level of the shop. Open Tuesday to Saturday, it has proven to be a real asset.

Jason adds: "I am full of pride when I walk around the place now.

"There's a great atmosphere here and customers love to come and sit in.

"We have got such a great team, who are passionate about delivering not only first-class produce, but also first-class service."

The team are now all set for National Barbecue Week and, weather permitting, it should mean a busy week for Bradley's Butchers and others in the region. The average number of BBQ’s held per family during the summer has risen sharply over the last ten years.

The overall BBQ, alfresco eating and entertaining market in 2023 was said to be worth just over £1.9 billion, up from £150 million back in 1997.

"You always have to adapt with different trends coming in," said Jason.

"Barbecue season has changed so much over the years. We are well stocked up with everything from minty lamb burgers, home made beef burgers, kebab skewers, barbecue ribs, salt and pepper stir fries – all sorts of flavours and to suit all.

"People love what we have available on the fresh meat side but I think the great thing is we offer such variety."

"On the cooked meals side here, things have developed with the ready meals we produce as well.

"People like local food, made here in our ovens by our staff – wholesome meals, reasonably priced such as cottage pies, lasagne, sausage and mash and we make our own pork pies and sausages.

"That's a great selling point. You can't get our ready meals, pork pie and sausages anywhere else and that's what makes us unique."