THE people of Hampshire have spoken and the county’s favourite butchers have now been revealed.

Customers from all over Hampshire have been voting through the Daily Echo and Hampshire Fare to decide just who gives the best meat.

As part of national butchers’ week, food organisation Hampshire Fare have been on the hunt for the best of the best, and the two winners have now been announced.

Uptons of Bassett in Southampton and Farmer’s Choice near Park Gate have taken the top prizeof the county’s favourite meat provider.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager of Hampshire Fare, said: “We have had a brilliant response from customers across the county who love the service their butchers offer them.“Congratulations to our winners, two fantastic businesses committed to quality customer service.”

Uptons of Bassett is owned by Simon Broadribb, who has been a butcher all his life and has run the store for 23 years.

Simon, 48, said: “All that we do is for our customers, so it is really rewarding to know that we are doing it right. We are passionate about what we do and only ever want to deliver the best product and service to our customers.”Adrian Mclachlan, 58, has been a butcher at Uptons ever since Simon took over.

He said: “It shows the work we have been doing has paid off, and I think it’s a combination of our customer service and sourcing from nearby that’s won it for us.”

Farmer’s Choice was established more than 30 years ago, with orders placed online and deliveries made nationwide, with a focus on Hampshire produce.

Jason Crotty owns the butchers, and despite being only 37, has 20 years’ experience.

Jason said: “We’re very pleased about the win in the competition, it’s always nice to win a public award. We’re expanding too as we now have an alcohol licence, and that’s also come through sheer public demand.

“We want to focus on our meat and continue to source it from around Hampshire, but we’re also going to look into local wines and other alcohols too.”

Both winners will enjoy a meal for two at a chosen venue.