14 // Celebrating Poundbury
Food Hall destination
The Brace of Butchers in Queen Mother Square is close to its first full year of trading and it ’ s clear this renaissance in quality butchery continues to go from strength to strength . Since the opening by Julian Fellowes in mid-October 2014 , they have attracted a significant following with customers enjoying fresh local and wellpriced groceries . The reaction within Poundbury , Dorchester and the surrounding villages has been more than what they expected and it ’ s clear the county town was missing a quality butcher and grocer . The concept is to source the best local products from farmers , producers and fishermen that are known for quality and farming standards and provide a service to its customers that would be unrivalled by supermarkets . The business is managed under the watchful eye of a dedicated team which includes the combined 34 years of experience and skills of two of Dorset ’ s best butchers , Rob Owen and Ben Black aka the Brace of Butchers . Rob and Ben were scouted to run the shop owing to their extensive knowledge and experience , and clearly a significant group of loyal customers they have amassed over their individual careers of 17 years . The shop was designed to discard some of the more traditional butchery clichés and create a light and modern experience where the product quality and customer service is paramount . Once inside the shop you can ’ t help notice one of the special features ; a backdrop behind the butcher ’ s counter that gives the customers an opportunity to see through a near theatrical viewing window into the aging room . This is something that you would not get elsewhere and is inspired by traditional photos of butchers hanging their meat on show in years gone by . The Brace of Butchers concept has not stopped with just butchery and deli , as the owners are carefully building a Food Hall range to support the increasing conveniencedriven small shopping trips that have been adopted by many to reduce wastage from large weekly shops . The BoB team are already adding new additions during spring and summer with fresh fruit and vegetables , Jurassic Coast shellfish and extended hours for a ‘ call and collect ’ service – just don ' t ask for Granville yet ! Brace of Butchers is well and truly set to become a standout destination for Poundbury .