March 3 – 9 celebrates National Butchers Week.
A local butcher is an essential location in a village, town or city. They supply quality meat and staples in home cooking. As well as sell their supply to restaurants. Their services are more personalised and local people build a connection with the friendly face behind the counter.
Obviously you can forge a friendly relationship with a supermarket butcher, but local places are always better. In terms of service, quality and knowledge.
It might seem strange to love a butchers in your local area. Like maybe, but love?
John Cullens
In this case yes. John Cullens in Bridge of Allan has been in business for over a hundred years and I have some fond memories of the place.
I discovered John Cullens in my first year when I was exploring Bridge of Allan. I hadn’t spent that much time there and I wanted to change that. John Cullens stood out to me. It had an old sign between shopfronts with modern and shiny ones, and it felt like home.
Another strange thing to say, I understand, but there’s something about it that welcomes you like an old friend, even if you had never been.
Fruits and vegetables In wooden crates sit under the windows and by the door. From carrots, to cauliflower to pomelo and figs.
Memories
I remember cycling from my accommodation building to Bridge of Allan and buying a pomegranate to celebrate finishing an exam.
Another time I bought venison, (which I adore) and made dumplings with them.
I’m not the only person who has memories like this.
My Mum always remembers her butchers being friendly. When she was a student, she would ask for £0.50 worth of mince. And the butcher would give what was likely more than that, since he knew she was a student.
And my friend bought chestnuts from there and roasted them for a winter treat.
John Cullens doesn’t just sell you beef cuts and pies, they also offer a variety of pre seasoned kebabs and steaks. And gluten free products too.
A Butchers’ Role
Butchers have and, hopefully, always will be a staple in communities. They stood tall during the Second World War and economic crashes after it.
John Cullens presence and longevity attests to their importance to people.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels
Third year journalism student. 2025/2026 Lifestyle and Comment Editor at Brig. Published in The Yucatán Times, Mi Campeche and The Mourning Paper. Host of From the 40s with Air3Radio.
