Teessiders list best local butchers for Christmas meats

With Christmas fast approaching, Teesside Live readers have been sharing their top picks for sourcing your festive meats - be it goose, turkey or any other Christmas favourite. There's a wealth of options to choose from!

It's a tough time for local businesses, so supporting your local economy is more important than ever.

By keeping our existing shops afloat, we can pave the way for a diverse range of independent retailers to set up shop. Your local butcher is passionate about providing you with the best quality meat.

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They're on hand to help you select the perfect cut, advise on portion sizes for your family, and even offer tips on how to cook your chosen cut to perfection. Some may argue that shopping at local butchers can be pricier compared to supermarkets.

While there might be a slight price difference (though not always), the superior quality, freshness, variety and customer service make it a far better value for money and a much more enjoyable experience than supermarket shopping. Once you've experienced the benefits of shopping at your local butcher, you'll keep coming back for more and wonder why it took you so long to switch!

Michelle Dixon recommends: "John Lunn, Enfield Chase, Guisborough."

Whereas Bernie Farrell thinks: "Vic Thomas Dormanstown sausages are amazing and steak is good too. Je’s such a lovely guy always have a good 'ole chat with him."

Vera Harrison Broughton reckons you can't beat: " Middlesbrough Bus Station Butchers, they're spot on with meat pies, eggs and you you can get anything in there. The staff always greet you with a smile and they have everything you need from cooked meats, meals salads, curries, fresh pies, bread and buns."

Lorraine Brooks rates: "Goodswens, High St, Redcar. Fabulous butcher and service."

Liz Barnes suggests: " Stokesley Butchers, they have a branch in Stoksley and another one in Great Ayton. Fantastic butchers."

Patricia Sanderson adds: "Perches are the best hands down! Best pork and apple pies."

Jan Fitzpatrick believes: "Blackwells Norton " are the best. She says: "I go there every year and it's worth every penny."

Jimmy Ray loves: "Powell butchers, amazing staff - so friendly and helpful."

Jenny Keane adds: "Taylors in Middlesbrough."

Melanie Fox suggests: "Harry Meynell, Wellington Square Stockton / I always get my Turkey Crown and sausage meat from here , beautiful fresh meat, amazing produce and very polite friendly staff. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my Xmas meat."

Kath McPartland always uses: "Smith's Butchers, Acklam road, Middlesbrough. Great service, brilliant staff and great food."

Sam Naylor thinks you can't beat: "Blackwell's Butchers - Mmmm yummy food, great staff and they give back to the community. Brilliant - Thanks to all at Blackwell's Butchers."

Diane Wenn rates: "John Jones Butchers Throston. I wouldn't go anywhere else, it's top quality."

Kay Watson shops at: "CAM Family Meats Ltd in Dundas Arcade, Middlesbrough."

Chanda Coulton likes: "Gosnays in Saltburn, they are the best butchers."

Andrew Gibson recommends: "Five Houses Farm Shop & Kitchen."

Jon Easby adds: "Thompson’s on Northallerton High street! Great choice, excellent quality."

Sharon Bowes can recommend two: "Enfield chase butchers Guisborough and Town & Country Butchers, Stockton."

Finally Steven Mcpartland thinks: "Smiths Butchers Acklam Road - the best around! Staff are absolute class as well."

Where will you be shopping for your Christmas dinner this year? We would love hear where you are planning on doing your shopping in the comments below.