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.