Simon Howie Butchers

Cited as «Champion Butcher of Scotland 2009» I was keen to try this guys produce. Having spoken to locals they all seemed to prefer the more traditional approach of McCallums up the road who did his own prep out back, to Howies which had their stuff shipped in. Howies definitely looked the sleek, professional outfit that probably won it the award but to me it was a little too clinical. It was like this was the front of house selling part and we dont want you to see the rest. I for one like to see the Butcher slicing off a bit of meat to my specifications rather than disappearing out back and returning with «here’s on I made earlier». Nice selection of take and heat up meals and pies. I tried the steak and gravy individual pies at £1.01 each. Very nice too. Plenty of vaccum packed haggis on sale but it is bought in. Staff helpful. So professional, smart and clean yes — a little too clinical and impersonal for me hence just three stars