Jeremy Clarkson's favourite Banburyshire butcher is shortlisted for Countryside awards

Hook Norton Butchers is one of 30 described as ‘the very best of rural businesses from across the South East of England’. They have been selected from thousands of public nominations.

Henry Lawrence, who owns the business with his wife, Georgia, is Bodicote-born and bred. He started his first butchery at Wyatt’s Garden Centre and moved to the Hook Norton premises ten years ago.

"We’ve been in Hooky for ten years and we’re very well established,” he said. “The shop is the heart of our business. This where we prepare and sell a wide range of locally-sourced quality meat; it is also where we make all our delicious products like pork pies and home-made sausages.

“We have supplied Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop since day one. We also sell fresh vegetables, dairy produce, fresh bread, free range eggs and everything else you need to create a tasty wholesome meal.

“We sell only the best quality meat and we know where that meat comes from.

“We use only the finest ingredients when making our homemade sausages, burgers, pies, ready meals and puddings. We are always perfecting our recipes and trying out fresh ideas, so there is always something new to try.”

Customers are always greeted with a warm welcome and a smiling, friendly face with displays of fresh produce all around. Hook Norton Butchers offers full-scale outside catering for weddings and private parties through Jacob’s Ladder Event Catering. The business employes a staff of 12 and goes from strength to strength. Exciting new things are being hatched for 2026.

Hooky Butchers will depend on its customers and supporters to win the regional semi-final. You can vote here.

You can vote for one business in each category. There are five categories: best pub, best village shop/ post office, best butcher, best for local food a drink and the rural enterprise award.

Sarah Lee, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the Countryside Alliance, said: “Once more, we have been blown away by the number of nominations this year. So many amazing businesses have been sent in by the public. Every business has an important story to tell - it’s so important that they are recognised.

"The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses, and not just their produce or services. At this critical time for so many rural businesses, it is vital we all show our support in whatever way we can. We encourage as many people as possible to get voting. When you have voted, please share the link with friends and families.”

The ‘Rural Oscars’ are now in their 19th year, and are a vital way of celebrating rural businesses that go the extra mile and support their local economy.

Being nominated for the Countryside Alliance Awards can have a real impact on rural businesses. The businesses which go on to become finalists or champions will receive regional and national recognition, strengthening the reputation of their brand.

The winners will be announced mid April.