Best Pubs in Warwickshire: Local Butchers and Quality Meat at The Fuzzy Duck Armscote

Why is it important to source meat from local butchers?

National Butchers Week is a great time to reflect on the importance of quality meat and the role that skilled butchers play in creating exceptional dining experiences. Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Fuzzy Duck Armscote is proud to offer fresh, locally sourced ingredients from trusted suppliers. At The Fuzzy Duck, we believe in supporting local suppliers and ensuring our dishes are crafted from the best, sustainably sourced ingredients. 

This is why we work closely with Todenham Manor Farm, one of the best butchers in the area, to provide us with the finest cuts of meat. Knowing where our meat comes from is key, especially when we proudly promote our “field to plate” approach. By sourcing locally, we ensure that every meal we serve is of the highest quality, benefiting not only our customers but the local economy as well.

Supporting Local Butchers and Enhancing the Customer Experience

The commitment to working with reputable, local butchers isn’t just about sourcing high-quality meat; it’s also about enhancing the dining experience for our guests. Whether you’re visiting for a casual meal or looking for the best restaurants in the Cotswolds, knowing that your meat has been ethically sourced and prepared by expert butchers adds an element of trust to every bite.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at why it’s important to work with local butchers, the role they play in menu creation, and some tips for home cooks, answered by Head Chef Andrew Edwards.

How do you decide which cuts of meat to use in your dishes?

At The Fuzzy Duck, we design our menus based on seasonal availability, ensuring that our dishes are both fresh and flavourful. The cuts of meat we use are carefully chosen to complement seasonal fruits and vegetables, allowing us to create a harmonious dining experience for our customers. We’re also committed to listening to our guests. If a particular cut or dish receives great feedback, you’ll likely see it featured again in future menus.

What role do local butchers play in your menu creation?

Local butchers are more than just suppliers—they’re partners in our menu creation process. We work closely with our butchers to ensure that we’re sourcing the best meat for every dish. By tapping into their expert knowledge of different cuts, we’re able to create innovative and classic dishes that highlight the very best of what’s available locally. Whether it’s a tender roast or a perfectly chargrilled steak, we owe much of our success to our local butchers.

Do you have a favourite dish on the menu that highlights the quality of your butchery?

A customer favourite at The Fuzzy Duck is our Rack of Lamb. We serve it pink, paired with buttery mashed potatoes, fresh minted peas, and a rich port jus. This dish truly highlights the exceptional quality of the meat we get from our butchers and has become a staple on our menu. Simple, yet full of flavour, it’s the perfect example of how great butchery can transform a meal.

What are your top tips for home cooks to select and prepare quality cuts of meat?

As a home cook, selecting and preparing quality cuts of meat doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are my top tips:

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Cheaper Cuts

Some of the most delicious meals come from cheaper cuts that require long, slow cooking to bring out their full flavour. Cuts like brisket, shoulder, and shank can make for incredible dishes when given the right amount of time and care.

2. Support Your Local Butcher

By shopping locally, you’re not only getting higher-quality meat, but you’re also supporting local businesses that are invested in providing you with the best products. Local butchers are incredibly knowledgeable, so don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendations.

3. Ask for Expert Advice

If you’re unsure about how to cook a particular cut or what might work best for your dish, always ask your butcher. Their insights can help you select the perfect cut and provide tips for cooking it to perfection.

Why Local Sourcing Matters in Warwickshire

Whether you’re enjoying a meal at The Fuzzy Duck or cooking at home, supporting local butchers ensures that you’re getting the best quality meat available. It’s all about sustainability, flavour, and community, and that’s why we’re proud to collaborate with some of the best butchers in Warwickshire.

If you’re looking for pubs with rooms in Stratford-upon-Avon or the best dining in the Cotswolds, look no further. At The Fuzzy Duck Armscote, we serve meals that are not only delicious but made with the highest-quality, locally sourced ingredients. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Book your table: https://www.fuzzyduckarmscote.com/dining

Call us at 01608 682635 or email us at info@fuzzyduckarmscote.com for direct booking.