Starbeck butchers Elite Meat is celebrating the opening of its shop 25 years ago today.
Brothers Gordon and Andrew Atkinson, the sons of a local farming family, opened the traditional butchers on High Street in 1999.
The brothers prided themselves on providing quality locally produced Yorkshire meat and although much has changed in the last quarter of a century, Elie Meat remains part of the Starbeck community — and attracts customers from further afield because of the quality of its cuts.
How Elite Meat looked when it opened in 1999.
Gordon Atkinson said:
“The past five years haven’t been smooth sailing with covid and the economic crisis for many, but it is still great to see even after 25 years people still support their local independent businesses.
“I still love coming to work every day and working alongside my enthusiastic and passionate team who keep the cogs turning.
“We wouldn’t be here without you and it is more important than ever to shop locally, so thank you to our loyal customers. Here’s to the next 25 years.”
The shop today
Since opening, Elite Meat has won almost 30 awards for its products and service — with notable accolades for Britain’s Best Sausage and North Yorkshire’s Best Traditional Butchers Shop in 2023.
Andrew Atkinson left the business several years ago to focus on farming in Kettlesing and Harrogate, but still helps with sourcing farm suppliers and lambs for the butchers.
The business has evolved to offer cooking and butchery classes for people to take part in.
Elite Meat is celebrating its milestone by offering a range of discounts this week. Further information can be found on its Facebook page.
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