Buying meat at smithfields

[robbo1982]

Hi has anybody bought direct at smithfields? I know the public can go in just wondered what the price per kg was like versus a regular butcher...

Cheers

[keith157]

What is important to bear in mind is allowing for your time and travel costs. If you are going to explore the depths of Smithfield rather than the shops/kiosks on the outside it will take time. Whilst the meat may well be slightly cheaper (sometimes much cheaper depending on demand) you have to offset your travel costs and expenses (you will want to park, eat and probably have a coffee etc whilst there) against popping down to your local butcher.

[robbo1982]

Valid points... I work in town so my only real costs will be an hour or toes sleep loss for getting up early before it closes!

[derekmiller]

You will need to get there soon after it opens. I stay in Aldgate, so only 15 mins walk. I have visited many times, but only bought once from there, much happier with the relationship I have with my local butcher in Bedford.
Derek.

[Swindon_Ed]

I think Smithfields is only worth it if you are buying BIG quantities, but then getting stock can be a problem as well. I've bought pork shoulders for £3.35 per kg & brisket for £4.50 per kg, but i've also turned up at 3am for them to have no pork shoulders which wasn't great. Pork ribs were cheap but not very good.

Also, i didn't think that the quality of the meat at Smithfields was very good.

[MrBlue]

3am?? it must be meat love!

[robbo1982]

Cheers guys... I might explore a couple of my local options too but they always seem to be overpriced and clue less

[keith157]

I think Smithfields is only worth it if you are buying BIG quantities, but then getting stock can be a problem as well. I've bought pork shoulders for £3.35 per kg & brisket for £4.50 per kg, but i've also turned up at 3am for them to have no pork shoulders which wasn't great. Pork ribs were cheap but not very good.

Also, i didn't think that the quality of the meat at Smithfields was very good.

When I was a butcher back in the 1970's there was an order to the meat at Smithfields which I doubt has changed very much. The prime cuts/stock went to the highest paying customer i.e. Michelin restaurants and hotels, the next went to both the Smithfield shops and regional distributors such as Swifts & Weddels. Now this was the interesting part, towards the end the bulk buyers would arrive i.e. Spillers etc. (for your doggies dinner) then Walls etc. (for your pork pies, sausage rolls etc) and IN THAT ORDER.
Your best chance of top quality meat from Smithields or similar sites is, IMHO, either get there VERY early and make friends with one of the suppliers (which takes time and effort and may involve coffee buying) or still my favourite have a good long chat with your butcher as he will have the contacts. Granted you will pay more than in a supermarket but if you have a good butcher they can and should ask around on your behalf.

[robbo1982]

Thanks Keith! I'm a bit lacking in butchers where I live which is just plain stupid I'm sure there is a killing to be had in the area!

[essexsmoker]

Need a forum coop and bulk buy!