A KENDAL butcher has been named the best in Britain.

Roast Mutton on Woolpack Yard is now officially the best butcher in Britain, winning the national title on Wednesday at the Countryside Alliance Awards 2023.

Even more staggering is that owner and master butcher Rob Unwin has attained the feat less than two years after opening his Kendal business.

In a video posted on the Roast Mutton Facebook page just after a proud Rob was presented the award, he was effusive in the praise of his staff, and farmers he works with.

He said: "We've done it, we've brought it back to Kendal.

"We are the champion butchers of the Countryside Alliance.

"Thankyou very much to everyone who voted for me, I am absolutely made up.

"Two years, and we have achieved this, it’s absolutely amazing.

"It shows that people do care where their food comes from.

"Loads of you went out of your way and voted, and this is testament to the fact that people care about meat."

Heft, in High Newton, won a North of England Award for the best pub

MP Tim Farron, who attended the ceremony, said: "It's amazing to see the skills of our rural communities getting recognised like this.

"Both Heft and Roast Mutton are run by hard-working, innovative, and locally minded people.

"I am exceptionally proud to have two of our own on the national stage and be recognised for their excellent work."