About

Nicholsons...Our Story...

Nicholson’s Butchers was established in 1914 in the same premises it occupies to this very day by Charles Nicholson, who was followed by his son, also named Charles – now 89 and only recently retired – then his son Doug, who spent time as a deep sea engineer in the Merchant Navy, though always knew butchery was in his blood and that he would he would join the family business. In addition Mark, Charles’ grandson has worked in the business for over 20 years – starting out as a Saturday dishwasher. He now organises all Nicholson’s deliveries, is the dedicated manufacturer of all sausages along with numerous other items that are sold in the shop.

Doug remains at the helm, but has now been joined by his daughter Kathryn, the fourth generation of the family to become involved in the business. She holds a degree in food science, having worked in large food manufacturing businesses, also in food development for a large supermarket at their Yorkshire head office She too has returned to her roots – butchery is obviously in her blood too!

Add a fully skilled, experienced, friendly and welcoming team – some have been with Nicholson’s for 10 or more years, each and every one of them fully committed to going that extra mile to serve and assist customers – and you will soon realise why Nicholson’s Butchers has developed and retained a reputation and pedigree that’s second to none.

Doug explains: “We have always sought to source top quality prime beef, lamb, pork and poultry, raised completely naturally in lush, green pastures, from our long-established local farmer suppliers, many of whom have – like our customers – become firm friends over the years. “Not only are we fully committed to putting the taste back into food so our customers can buy and eat only the highest quality products, but we are also helping to keep food miles to a minimum, which reflects well on the welfare of the animals.”

The shop became one of the first-ever members of the national Butchers Q Guild when it was established in the 1960s. The Q Guild represents some of the UK’s leading independent meat retailers, all striving to provide only the highest quality products, with customer service to match. Industry-leadings standards of hygiene and food safety are key to Q Guild membership, with independent inspections regularly carried out at all member shops. To be a member of the Guild for over 50 years speaks wonders for the exacting standards constantly maintained by Nicholson’s Butchers. Over many years, the shop has won a host of national and international awards for its products in meat industry competitions and comes highly recommended by Gourmet Britain – Best of British Food, who describe Nicholson’s as “an excellent butcher, specialising in local meat, poultry and seasonal game.” The business is closely involved with its local communities, supporting those who themselves support the shop. With the blighty in his blood, Doug remains an active crew member of Tynemouth Lifeboat, having attended numerous call-outs over the years. He and the shop’s generous customers have also helped raise thousands of pounds for the RNLI, as well as regularly supporting other worthwhile local causes. It’s called putting something back.