Hadleigh butcher and deli shop Andrew’s celebrates 30 years of trading with major refurbishment

A butcher’s shop and deli has celebrated a landmark anniversary this month, by completing its first major renovation in more than a decade.

Andrew’s Quality Butchers highlighted maintaining a sense of community and commitment to quality as the keys to success, as it marks 30 years of trading on the Hadleigh High Street.

In honour of the occasion, the shop – founded by Andrew and Claire Belcher in 1994 – has undertaken a significant internal and external refurbishment, having last done so 15 years ago.

The works include a repainted exterior with new signage, as well as the installation of fresh interior fittings.

“It’s much brighter,” said Andrew, who has had a lifelong involvement in the butchery trade. “People remind me that it is a milestone, what we’ve achieved.

“It is certainly something to celebrate. It’s such a pleasure to still be here doing this after 30 years.

“We wouldn’t have achieved this without the local community, and I’d like to thank all our customers and friends for their support. It’s fantastic.”

Born above his father’s butcher shop, Andrew worked at the family store in Billericay from a young age and, at 16, worked as a salesman at the renowned Smithfield Market in London.

Since Andrew’s opened in Hadleigh, staff longevity has been cited as a key factor, with many of the current team in their roles for over a decade.

The longest-serving employee – shop manager Richard – has been working at the shop for 28 years.

Andrew added: “They know our customers really well, and that’s so important.

“For them it’s a real pleasure to talk to people when they come in, to hear what’s going on with their families and their lives.

“Some people from those villages who come to see us potentially haven’t spoken to anyone that day until they come into town, and we’re always pleased to welcome them.”