A butchery business based in Ilkley has won two prestigious national prizes.
Lishman’s of Ilkley took top honours at this year’s Smithfield Awards ceremony, which took place at Butchers’ Hall in the capital.
The Ilkley company was among ten specialist meat businesses from across Britain recognised in their categories, with its dry cured streaky bacon winning the ‘Home Cured Bacon’ class.
The retailer also claimed a second title, becoming the only butcher to manage this accomplishment at the 2026 event, thanks to its game and red wine pie which triumphed in the ‘Speciality Game Meat Product’ section.
Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, the competition has been running for over thirty years and showcases Britain’s finest artisan meat products including traditional pork sausage, premium burger, home-cured bacon, barbecue offering and finest butcher’s steak.
Diamond Awards presented
The esteemed Diamond Awards were presented to Lishman’s of Ilkley by Dr Carrie Ruxton.
The retailer’s dry cured streaky bacon achieved a perfect score of 70 out of 70 and was described by judges as ‘a wonderful, faultless product’.
Its game and red wine pie scored an impressive 69 out of 70 and received strong praise for both taste and appearance.
The shop also picked up four Gold Awards – the Guild’s highest honour – for its heritage breed rib eye steak, thick champion pork sausage, pork pie and beech smoked chicken, along with silver accolades for its beef and red wine pie and Toulouse sausage.
Deeply meaningful
Emma Lishman, speaking for the Ilkley business, said the recognition for their home-cured bacon and game products carried huge importance.
These areas matched closely with what the company stood for, and being acknowledged for the commitment, sourcing and skill involved at this level was incredibly touching.
Gordon Wallace, Q Guild manager, noted that the standard of entries this year was particularly high, making Lishman’s of Ilkley’s success all the more remarkable.
Securing first place in two categories, obtaining two Diamond Awards and collecting four additional Gold awards was an exceptional result.
Their accomplishment really demonstrated the outstanding quality and consistency of their offerings and showed the innovation and expertise driving the craft butchery trade forward.
About Lishman’s of Ilkley
Coming from a farming background, David Lishman launched his butcher’s business with one shop in 1986.
Lishman’s of Ilkley then created its now nationally renowned charcuterie section in 2010 and the company is now run by David alongside his daughter Emma.
In 2022, the premises underwent complete refurbishment including a dedicated charcuterie display area and butcher’s counter fitted with Himalayan salt blocks that create perfect conditions for dry-aging beef and developing its flavour.