A BUTCHER’S has proved a cut above the rest by winning a national award as part of a double success.

Lishman’s, based in Leeds Road, Ilkley, has been named the UK’s best butcher’s at the Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards.

The firm, which opened in 1986, was announced as winner of the North of England Butcher’s Shop of the Year contest – the third time it has won the regional title - before learning that it had also clinched the overall UK Best Butcher’s Shop accolade.

David Lishman and his daughter Emma, 28, received the double honour at a presentation ceremony in London.

Mr Lishman said he was over the moon with the victory, particularly the national honour.

He said: “This is the undoubted highlight and the pinnacle of our numerous achievements in the meat trades awards arena over many years.

“UK Butcher’s Shop of the Year is the one we all want to win. We were up against some of the best butcher’s in the land.

“To be chosen as the best of the best is a glowing tribute.

“This year alone we have invested close on £250,000 in new in-house smoking, charcuterie and bakery facilities.

“We are constantly trying to improve and develop the business and this superb success is an all-round team effort.”

It was the second major award for the family firm within a few days. Lishman’s also picked up the best pork pie in Yorkshire prize at the Deliciouslyorkshire Taste Awards. The judges said the business won for its flaky pastry and flavoursome filling.

The shop employs 14 people and the includes an in-house charcuterie.

Its latest awards double caps off a successful year of accolades for the firm.

Earlier this year Lishman’s Yorkshire Chorizo picked up a three-star Great Taste award. The annual showcase, organised by The Guild of Fine Food, is described as the world’s most coveted food awards.

Lishman’s has won numerous awards for products, twice becoming British champion of champions sausage maker and five times Yorkshire champion sausage supremo.

Lishman’s created Yorkshire’s very own signature sausage after a four-month campaign involving county-wide public tastings. The recipe is now being used by fellow butcher’s throughout the UK.

Mr Lishman is north-east regional chairman and national vice-chairman of the Butchers Q Guild, which represents 121 award-winning independent butcher’s UK-wide. He is due to take over as national chairman early next year.