Best Butchers in South Shields

A good butcher is one of those things you do not appreciate until you find one. The meat is better, the advice is free, and you get exactly the cut you want rather than whatever the supermarket has decided to wrap in plastic this week. South Shields still has proper butchers who know their trade. Here are the best.

H. Sharp Butchers

H. Sharp Butchers at 19 Frederick Street has been a family business since 1865 — four generations of butchers and counting. They carry a perfect five-star Google rating and are known for high-quality meat at fair prices. The expertise shows: the staff can advise on cuts, cooking times, and preparation, and they are happy to prepare bespoke orders for barbecues, Sunday roasts, or special occasions.

If you want a traditional, independent family butcher in South Shields, this is the one.

Best for: Family butcher since 1865 with a perfect five-star rating — four generations of expertise and high-quality meat at fair prices.

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Dicksons

Dicksons at 74 Laygate is the spiritual home of the saveloy dip — one of the defining foods of South Tyneside. The family-run business started at Prince Edward Road in 1953 and now has over 30 shops across the North East, but the Laygate branch is the one that matters. They produce 1.4 million saveloys and 1.5 million tubs of pease pudding every year, alongside sausling sausages, pork pies, and mince.

If you have never had a saveloy dip — a saveloy on a bun with pease pudding, stuffing, and mustard — this is where you should try your first.

Best for: The spiritual home of the saveloy dip since 1953 — a South Tyneside institution producing 1.4 million saveloys a year.

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George H Pickings

George H Pickings at 49 Front Street in East Boldon is technically just outside South Shields, but it is close enough to deserve a mention and well worth the short drive. This village butcher has a strong reputation for quality meat, handmade sausages, and a friendly, knowledgeable counter service. The sausages are a particular highlight — they make their own on the premises.

Best for: Village butcher in nearby East Boldon with handmade sausages and a strong reputation for quality meat and friendly service.

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What to ask your butcher

A good butcher will always be happy to help. Ask about locally sourced meat, request specific cuts or thicknesses, and do not be afraid to ask for cooking advice — they deal with these questions every day. Many butchers will also prepare party platters, barbecue packs, or bespoke orders with a few days' notice.

For more food and drink in South Shields, see our guides to restaurants, bakeries, and takeaways.

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Looking for more? See our guides to fish and chips and Sunday roasts in South Shields.