This week we conclude our Warrington Guardian Food and Drink Awards with the best butcher. The results that have been revealed weekly in eight categories follow a public vote on our website and on social media, meaning readers were directly involved in determining which businesses came out on top.

BEST BUTCHER

WINNER: HOUGHTON’S, BANKHALL PARK

HOUGHTON’S has been a family affair since 1982.

The independent business was started by Fred and Joyce Houghton 36 years ago and now it is run by their daughter Sylvia Johnson and her husband Terry Johnson.

Over the years the Penketh husband and wife team have had to diversify due to the decline in butcher shops – for several years they ran Kwik Save franchises all over the north west – but demand for their products never went away. So after numerous requests they decided to adapt part of their Bank Hall Park factory in Wharf Street, Howley, into a shop area.

Now their customers’ loyalty has paid off even more after Houghton’s was named best butcher in our Food and Drink Awards, voted for by readers.

Sylvia, who attended Warrington High School for Girls, said: “We are over the moon to have won this award. My dad, Fred, would have been very proud of us.

“It will also be a big boost for my mum, Joyce, who is in hospital at the moment. We would like to say a big thank you to all our wonderful customers that took the time and effort to vote for us, it means a lot to know you appreciate what we do.”

Part of the secret to the business’s success has been its tight-knit team.

Sylvia, who met Terry at a disco at the old Warrington ground off Wilderspool Causeway, added: “We have a very qualified team of butchers assisting us, with some very well recognised faces around town. That includes Brian Hodkinson, who used to work at Asda, and is our head butcher. Paul Hamman, formerly of Warrington Market, Steve Jennion, formerly of Poplars Avenue and John Pegg who is our general assistant/delivery driver.

“What makes us stand out is that we only want to sell the best quality products, at the best price possible. The favourite part of the job is interacting with the customers, we always go the extra mile for our customers sharing recipes and tips, making items specially that they request.”

The bestsellers are their steaks and homemade sausages.

Sylvia said: “We buy heifers, as the marbling is much better. These are then traditionally matured before being sold.

“We take pride in our products, we make all our own sausages, dry cure our own bacon, cook our own cooked meats. Times have changed and our customers want convenient, quick but quality foods, so we are trying to provide different products that are still top quality.”

YOUR FAVOURITE FIVE

HOUGHTON'S

Emma Crighton said: “Hands down it’s Houghtons. Amazing sausages and meats and great recipe advice too.”

Yin Tak Lee said: “Run by a lovely couple who are as passionate about what they do now, as when they first started.”

SNOUTWOOD TROTTERS

Gill Sykes said: “Excellent quality, excellent service and excellent taste.”

JOHN CROSS

Malcolm Groarke said: “I buy my meat from John Cross in the market – fantastic quality meat always at the right price and nice friendly staff.

“Full marks to an old traditional family butcher.”

F.A. FAIRHURST

Jane Anderton said: “Can always guarantee service with a smile and staff are always very helpful.

“Lovely, fresh produce too.”

A WARD

Robert Tann said: “I am 80 this year and my mother used to go to Ward’s butchers in Stockton Heath just after the war. I sometimes travel over from Padgate to sample their excellent meat.

“Great quality and service.”