LOCAL producers are joining forces thanks to the support of Hampshire Fare.

New Forest Family Butchers, in Winchester and West Wellow, has announced a new deal with Butler Country Estates, in Winnall, to stock its range of smoked trout pates and fillets.

The family business took over Barlows Butcher in Oliver’s Battery Road a year ago, becoming the only butcher shop in Winchester.

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Chris Street, New Forest Family Butchers owner, said: “People like to know where their food comes from. We are all about small independent businesses. We stock some locally grown vegetables, local cheeses, olive oils imported sustainably by Winchester business, Shipped by Sail, and now Winchester-based Butler Country Estate’s popular range of smoked trout pates and trout fillets.”

This new partnership began when New Forest Family Butchers joined Hampshire Fare, the county’s food and drink group, to source more local produce for its shops.

Hampshire Fare’s monthly networking events have introduced the butchers to fellow producers in the area, including Richard Butler, owner of Butler Country Estates, a smokery in Winnall.

Hampshire Chronicle: Richard Butler (left) and Chris Street (right)Richard Butler (left) and Chris Street (right) (Image: Hampshire Fare)

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Mr Street said: "It was our first networking event at Hampshire Fare. We felt immediately welcomed and within the first 20 minutes of being there started chatting to Richard who told us about his Hampshire smoked trout products - one of the things we have been looking to stock. He offered to drop off some samples the following day. We were extremely impressed with his products and are looking forward to this new working relationship.

"Not only do we now stock some new fantastic fresh and local products, which our customers are loving, but Richard has since put us in contact with other local suppliers which has been unbelievably helpful and appreciated."

Richard Butler said: “We always attend Hampshire Fare’s networking sessions and this one was at Lemon and Jinja in Romsey, where I met and chatted with Chris Street from The New Forest Family Butcher. I dropped off some samples that week and we are now proud that you will find all our superb smoked trout products in his shops at Oliver’s Battery and West Wellow.”