Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2009 | Page 108

life FOOD & DRINK Paul Murphy wins Butcher of the year It was Paul Murphy who won Butcher of the Year at the Island Life Food and Drink Awards, but speaking about it afterwards he heaped praise on his “rival” for the award, Andy Gustar of Hamilton Fine Foods. “I don’t see us as being in competition – it feels more like a partnership with Andy and his daughter Kerry – they are always there for me and my wife Niki, helping us in sourcing Island meats.” He adds: “We had a bumper Christmas here, and it was partly down to Andy really.” Since last May, when he moved his mobile butchery business into Briddlesford Lodge Farm Shop, Paul hasn’t looked back. He’s been so successful that he’s just taken on an employee, and what with concentrating on keeping his customers happy and sourcing what they want from Island farms, he didn’t think much about the award. “It was a real surprise to me that so many of my customers took a form and voted for me,” says the ever affable Paul. “In fact, when I got the award didn’t know what to do – well, I’ve never had that sort of thing before, so it’s quite new to me.” 108 Paul believes he and the other good butchers on the Island are doing well despite the credit crunch because customers are going out to eat less often. “I think people are buying a bit better quality meat to cook at home. They might choose cheaper cuts but use better recipes.” To say Paul is enthusiastic about the meat he sells is an understatement. “I get lovely beef from New Barn Farm, lamb from Les Morris, and I get cracking chickens, through Andy, from High View Farm.” Given Paul’s dedication to his customers, it is hardly surprising that so many voted for him. He is always ready to give advice on cuts and cooking, and his reputation as the man who has 58 varieties of sausage is hard to beat. But, as he says, he’s not in competition with other butchers – “We’re all feeding from the same bowl, so we help each other.” Paul Murphy Butcher, Briddlesford Lodge Farm Shop, Wootton. Tel 01983 884650 The Island's new funky radio station www.wightFM.com