06-05-2025
Cranstons Brampton nominated for 'Best Butchers 2025' award
We're highlighting the shortlisted butchers, delis and farm shops in our competition in the News & Star. Each of the establishments will be featured over ten issues.
Cranstons (Brampton Food Hall) has been nominated by News & Star readers as one of ten finalists in its 'Best Butchers, Delis or Farm Shops 2025' award.
Mark Mallinson, the area manager of the store which opened in 2016, told the News & Star that it was 'fantastic' to be put forward by their customers.
He said: 'It's so nice to be thought so much of. We go out of our way to help and support the community when we can so it's fantastic to be put forward. It's nice that they feel we are good enough.'
READ MORE: Ten finalists in the News & Star's best Farm, Deli or Butchers Shop 2025 award
David Dobson, Assistant Manager, Steven Davidson, Assistant Manager, Rhys Farrar and Hospice at Home representatives (Image: Cranstons) The food hall has created a local community within Brampton. Out of the small team of 14, 13 people are from Brampton itself.
Mark, who did his apprenticeship at Cranstons and has been in the industry since 1988, added: 'Everybody knows somebody. It helps us build rapport with the customers, we see them through happy times and their bad times. But they know the staff so it works both ways.
'It's not just about the food. We can serve 3,000 people in a week, but we still know people and their faces! The more people who come back prove they have confidence in us.'
The team also help local schools, visiting primary schools to teach them about careers at Cranstons and secondary schools to help with GCSE food preparation and practical skills.
READ MORE: Red Herring Escape Rooms, Carlisle crowned Best Family Indoor Entertainment 2025
The butchers counter at Cranstons in Brampton. (Image: Cranstons) Cranstons is well known for selling local produce and Mark says their 'full traceability' makes a big difference.
He said: 'It's local and it's fresh. If it's not made here, it's made in our Penrith butchery centre and kitchens, we take pride in working with local producers and farm suppliers."
'Everyone comes in for the Cumberland sausage!
'We do offer a range of high-quality produce – fresh bread baked on site, pies – everything!'
News & Star readers will now be able to vote for their favourite finalist by picking up a copy of the daily newspaper between Monday, May 5, and Saturday, May 17.
