Dave Giles Butchers

Dave Giles Butchers is sadly, as far as I know, the only butcher that sells organic meat on Gloucester Road. Others used to stock it, but are now only carrying cheaper cuts, probably another saddening upshot of the credit crunch. Thankfully Dave Giles is pretty central to the street, and there’s on-​street parking close by. It’s also a few doors down from Pawson’s greengrocers, making a shop for the evening meal an easy one.
Established in 1990, Dave has been around for a while. When I called in recently to pick up some lamb chops, he was there with his assistant chopping up chickens with dexterity, talking as he worked. He’s an affable character with a good sense of humour, and takes real care with everything he does. His window display is simple but effective, and daily signs are created in beautiful script, letting passers-​by know exactly what’s on offer. If it’s extremely fresh, top quality meats you’re after, Dave Giles is the man that you need to go and see.

This butchers is even more traditional than a butchers — if that is even possible. As a family business, you’ll find nothing pretentious or up-​to-​the-​minute cool, just plain old, traditional goodness. The meat is incredible in quality and is all locally-​sourced, organic and free-​range. I recommend the mint lamb chops. It ticks all the boxes and is almost as cheap as chips! Well worth a visit!

A butcher is about as traditional a shop as you can get, in my opinion. Changing lifestyles, more national supermarkets and political /​cultural issues have all threatened the humble British butcher over the years.
Dave Giles in Bishopston, a family run business, has been in the game for well over 20 years and still going strong. For me I love the feel of the place — the atmosphere. Nowhere else can you buy pots of pure beef drip or goose fat like you used to. All the pork is free range and they strive so hard to keep everything fresh, local and organic. Christmas time is a treat on its own, as a Dickensian turkey buying scene opens up every cold winter’s day.
Dave Giles is a good, traditional British butcher and well worth the trip.