Although I live about 15 miles from this butcher, I will, once again, place my order for my Christmas day joint of beef and gladly join the queue on Christmas eve morning, which will undoubtedly be 'snaking' out of the shop and into the street.
Last year I left it to within a couple of weeks of Christmas to place my meat order.
I was passing through Boldon and saw a queue of people at this typically traditional butchers shop which is on the front street.
I pulled over and joined the queue.
The lady who served me looked a little bit puzzled when I asked for Chateaubriand for 10 people, but they guy who owns the shop took over taking the order details, confirming that I knew I was placing an order for what is essentially 10 portions of fillet steak.
I agreed and offered to leave a deposit but was told to just pay when I collected the meat.
Although pricey (as is chateaubriand everywhere) £88, this is the best I've ever had.
There wasn't a morsel of waste and the meat is so soft and tender that you barely need to use any pressure to cut into it, once you do, it almost melts in your mouth (my mouth is wateruing at the thought of it!).
If you want a good old fashioned butcher with best quality meat look no further, it's definitely worth my 30 mile round trip!! read more