Best Butchers in Alnwick
Turnbull's (sixth generation, since 1880), the Food Hall, and Market Place Butchery — butchers in Alnwick.
Alnwick is dominated by one name when it comes to butchery: Turnbull's. This sixth-generation family business has been operating since 1880 and now runs both a traditional shop on Market Street and a flagship Food Hall at Willowburn Retail Park. For those looking for an alternative, Market Place Butchery offers a smaller independent option right in the town centre. Between them, Alnwick is exceptionally well served for quality local meat.
Turnbull's of Alnwick
Turnbull's of Alnwick at 33-35 Market Street (NE66 1SS) is the original shop and still the heart of the business. Six generations of the Turnbull family have been butchering here since 1880, and the depth of knowledge and supplier relationships that comes with nearly 150 years of trading is hard to match.
The range includes locally reared beef and lamb from Northumberland farms, award-winning sausages made to the family's own recipes, and homemade pies that are among the best in the county. The staff at the counter know their cuts and are happy to advise on cooking times, preparation, and what is best for a particular recipe. This is proper, old-fashioned butchery in the best sense.
Open Monday to Saturday 7:30am to 5:30pm. Phone: 01665 602186.
Best for: Sixth generation since 1880, award-winning sausages, locally reared Northumberland meat.
Turnbull's Northumbrian Food Hall
Turnbull's Northumbrian Food Hall at Willowburn Retail Park (NE66 2DJ) opened in December 2019 and takes the family business to a different scale. This is not just a butcher shop — it is a full food hall with a traditional butcher counter, seasonal vegetables, award-winning pies and salads, hot and cold food-to-go, and a wide range of local produce from across Northumberland.
If you are doing a bigger shop, the Food Hall is the more convenient option. It has parking, longer hours, and the wider product range means you can pick up everything from meat to vegetables to lunch in one stop. The butchery quality is the same as the Market Street shop, just in a larger and more modern setting.
Open Monday to Saturday 7:30am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm. Phone: 01665 602186.
Best for: Flagship Food Hall with butcher counter, deli, local produce, and food-to-go. Sunday opening.
Market Place Butchery
Market Place Butchery at 1-3 Paikes Street (NE66 1HX) provides an independent alternative to Turnbull's in the heart of Alnwick. This is a smaller, traditional butcher shop offering quality cuts and personal service in the market place area of town.
The shop has built a solid local following among residents who appreciate having a choice. While Turnbull's is the bigger and more established name, Market Place Butchery holds its own on quality and offers the kind of personal, one-to-one service that comes with a smaller operation. If you prefer to spread your custom or want to compare, it is well worth a visit.
Phone: 07475 629333.
Best for: Independent alternative in the market place, traditional butchery, personal service.
The quick comparison:
Turnbull's of Alnwick — the original. Sixth generation, Market Street, award-winning sausages and pies. Turnbull's Food Hall — the bigger option. Full food hall at Willowburn with butcher, deli, and local produce. Market Place Butchery — independent alternative on Paikes Street, smaller shop with personal service.
More Alnwick food guides: best bakeries, best fish and chips, and best restaurants.
Know another butcher in Alnwick we should add? Get in touch.