Don't Give Hutchinson's Butchers your business

I live in the local area and have purchased meat from Hutchinson's Butchers on several occasions. The meat is always of very good quality albeit very expensive. But, due to my last two experiences with Hutchinson's, they will NOT have my custom again. Here's why. At the beginning of summer 2010 I inquired at Hutchinson's the cost of a whole pig for a hog roast. I was quoted 2 pound 60 ~ 2 pound 70 per pound, but was told the actual market price may vary slightly. Fair enough. No other costs or fees were mentioned. I ordered a 40 pound whole pig with specific instructions on how it was to be prepared. When collecting the pig the first disappoint was that it was not prepared properly. The second disappoint and shock was the cost. The pig cost an unbelievable One-Hundred and Forty-Five pounds. This was more that 2 pound 60 ~ 2 pound 70 per pound, even more than three pounds per pound when allowing for market fluctuations. I was informed there were fees for killing and preparing the pig. Obviously these fees were not disclosed when the pig was ordered. As the pig was of good quality - I thought to give Hutchinson's a 2nd chance, but this time be very specific about the price. October 2010. For barn fire night I planned to have another hog roast. I personally walked into the shop, spoke with Peter, and asked the cost of a 30 pound pig. 85 pounds sterling I was told. I looked Peter in the eye and said: “In one weeks time I show up and give you 85 pounds – and you give me a thirty pound whole pig”. “Yes” Peter said. I said: "no other fees or costs?" Peter said "NO" - "No Other fees or Costs". Long story short: Peter calls my home a couple days before the pig was to be collected to say the price went up to 125 pounds; This after I was so specific about the cost when ordering. Needless to say I did not collect the pig and I will not do business with Hutchinson's Butchers again.

Anthony B - 08/11/2010 | report this review