RESIDENTS in Bradford on Avon have welcomed news that a traditional family butcher is to open a new shop in The Shambles at the end of February.

Chris Banable, 48, and his fiancé, Alex Dalton, 52, will open the traditional family butchers Meat at The Shambles in mid to late February 2022 after a refurbishment of the former coffee shop premises.

“I have spent 30 years in the butchery trade, with 25 of these owning and running my own large butcher’s shop in Keynsham, Bristol,” said Mr Banable.

“It has been my ambition for many years to open a traditional butchers shop in my home town of Bradford-on-Avon.

“Alex and I have just returned to live here, and now, together, we will fulfil this dream and bring my years of experience to BoA.

“The Banables have been family butchers since my father Stephen opened his shop in Bath way back in 1974, a business that is still flourishing to this day with my father still at the helm!

“I should point out that on his first day of trade, he took the substantial sum of £9, whilst I (still in my pram) took £10! My charm was winning over the customers even at the age of 12 months!

“We’ll be doing everything from carcase cutting, to speciality cuts, to homemade sausages and faggots, and not forgetting home-cooked meats and delicatessen etc.”

Wiltshire Times: Chris Banables at workChris Banables at work

Mr Banable has been in the meat trade for more than 34 years, and his father for 60 years. “We have a wealth of knowledge and animal welfare and husbandry is of utmost importance to us.

“I have a direct relationship to the farm owners where we will be buying our meat from. They are a super family and do an amazing job. Chicken and game will be bought locally.”

The news has been welcomed by many residents, including the town’s mayor Cllr Sarah Gibson who said: “That’s great news.”

James Sullivan-Tailyour, owner of The Swan Hotel, said: “Great news. Many congratulations. Look forward to meeting you. Please pop into the Swan sometime and introduce yourself.”

Monique Vanhuizen, who runs women’s fashion wear retail shop Heathers, said: “Great stuff. At last a butcher in BoA opening in The Shambles at the end of February.”

Kate Ball said: “Excellent news about the new butcher’s shop in Bradford on Avon.

“I would, however, like to know where the meat will be sourced from. Will it be local high welfare produce or at least from high welfare sourced facilities?

“Intensively reared produce would be a no no from me. I am really hoping it’s high welfare produce.

“It would be so nice to see our town turn back the clock to be a little more self sufficient, as it always was. Hoping for a fishmongers next!”

Frank Wellington said: “I don’t know where it’s sourced, but I did some work for his parents a few years ago. They gave me some meat and sausages, best I’ve ever tasted.”