Wholesale meat prices

[aris]

http://www.meat-prices.co.uk/

Quite handy to get a ballpark figure on what your local butcher is paying for meat and if the price you are paying is reasonable. This can vary greatly of course - but gives you some ideas.

[Davy]

I'm thinking of heading down to Smithfield sometime. Are there any other forum members here that are experienced at buying BBQ cuts from Smithfield.

[keith157]

Very interesting, cheers.

[aris]

There was a documentary on Smithfield on TV recently - quite interesting. Doesn't seem to be on iPlayer any longer, but there is a stub of what was there:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0 ... mithfield/

You may well be able to find it on a torrent site

[BBQFanatic]

I have bought from Smithfields before. If you havent been before its slightly intimidating. Whilst the guys dont mind the public buying from them, they are not the most friendly as they are focusing on volume.

Generally I get
5kg chicken breasts - +-£34
2kg Rib Eye - +-£30
Brisket - Packer style - About £4.5/kg
Full Racks of Ribs +- £3.2-4/kg
Pork Shoulder - £4-6/kg

I would expect to arrive around 5am (week days only) and generally not within a week of a public holiday. Expect the first time to be walking the stalls and understanding whom sells what. Typically you select the meat you want (if you need more, ask the butchers), and you are expected to pay at the booth (only CASH - so take lots of it as you will spend more than you think). Once you receive a stamped chit you can then carry your meat away. I am normally out by 5:45, most of the guys are starting to pack up by 6:30.

I normally make sure I have many freezer bags ready for my return home as I cut up what I need into the portions I want and they go straight into the freezer.

[keith157]

Haven't been to Smithfield in years, it was always intimidating for first time buyers. Watch out for any porters they have right of way and won't stop if you get in the way unless they REALLY have to

[Davy]

I have bought from Smithfields before. If you havent been before its slightly intimidating. Whilst the guys dont mind the public buying from them, they are not the most friendly as they are focusing on volume.

Generally I get
5kg chicken breasts - +-£34
2kg Rib Eye - +-£30
Brisket - Packer style - About £4.5/kg
Full Racks of Ribs +- £3.2-4/kg
Pork Shoulder - £4-6/kg

I would expect to arrive around 5am (week days only) and generally not within a week of a public holiday. Expect the first time to be walking the stalls and understanding whom sells what. Typically you select the meat you want (if you need more, ask the butchers), and you are expected to pay at the booth (only CASH - so take lots of it as you will spend more than you think). Once you receive a stamped chit you can then carry your meat away. I am normally out by 5:45, most of the guys are starting to pack up by 6:30.

Sounds scary but probably worth a shot at least.

I normally make sure I have many freezer bags ready for my return home as I cut up what I need into the portions I want and they go straight into the freezer.

[keith157]

If you visit Smithfield, try and spot the order in which companies make their collection. It used to be;-
1. Regional distributers such as Swifts & Weddells
2. Large butchers chains i.e. Dewhurst
3. "Family" i.e. smaller butchers
4. Spillers(pet food)
5. Walls (need I say more )

The Fox & Anchor used to do the best breakfasts