We bought some steak yesterday and had steak frites for dinner. Crikey was it good. We've been living as part time vegetarians because it's impossible to find decent meat around here, but not anymore!!!
Well, it's not impossible to find decent meat here and not too far away either.
Not sure if Billings have shot themselves in the foot given it's been successful as a wet fish shop for a year(?) and now one is greeted by a wall of meat smell on entering. Granted the strong smell of fish previously wouldn't have suited some people.
I eat pescetarian so don't eat meat. Billings yesterday had a huge selection of meat which I heard said to another customer was all fresh each day. Can that really be true of meat given much is kept in chillers. Wanting to buy some meat (for another) they didn't "seem" to have what I wanted (or at least not on display) so bought it elsewhere. Billings has a surprisingly large selection of meats so deffo worth a looksee and hopefully meat eaters will consider them.
I love the fishmonger and I love a butcher. But said, would prefer a buthcer next to a fishmonger, not the same in one small shop where you mix cutting boards knives etc....
I will still use them, do not get me wrong, just would prefer 2 separate that would have larger choice and specialise. my opinion, that's all.
We went on saturday and pick up some fantastic ribs, steak and lamb. I really hope the locals support these guys as the quality of the meat was fantastic. Melt in the mouth steak!
scott.l.hamilton wrote:I love the fishmonger and I love a butcher. But said, would prefer a buthcer next to a fishmonger, not the same in one small shop where you mix cutting boards knives etc....
I will still use them, do not get me wrong, just would prefer 2 separate that would have larger choice and specialise. my opinion, that's all.
I think you'll find that the preparation areas are completely separate and the knives used are different. That is basic kitchen hygiene so to open a shop it needs to be ever so slightly above that
Anyway, had some great belly of pork, bacon and ham from their. Good advice on how to cook certain cuts too.
Am I the only member of this forum who hasn't been gripped by Billings 'fever'? Seriously, it's just a fishmonger for God's sake. What's with all the (occasionally dubious) hysteria? Do the proprietors offer concessions in return for endorsement, or what?
Don't hesitate to contact me privately if you want to avoid any unnecessary condemnation.
bigbadwolf wrote:it's just a fishmonger for God's sake.
Actually you are wrong. They are also a butcher.
Butcher, baker or candlestick maker, they are also just a shop - however rare a service they provide. I just don't buy into the all the recurring enthusiasm.
No, you can get candles in Mustis, although I have no idea where they are made. There is a good bakers in Kirkdale and of course the cake shop.
Billings only sell Fish and Meat...Oh and eggs.
Besides the pedantic, what's wrong with promoting a good local business? Isn't it good to be positive about something local BBW? Do you dislike Billings? Good product, nice guy, good service and even a decent shop front. They were even in the South London Press. They must be doing something right. Infact Billings appears to be a remarkable local business.
Talking of promoting local things, new post and pictures about Home Park's fun day from last Sunday coming soon.
leenewham wrote:Besides the pedantic, what's wrong with promoting a good local business?
Pedanty aside, nothing at all.
leenewham wrote:Isn't it good to be positive about something local BBW?
Yes, within reason.
leenewham wrote:Do you dislike Billings?
I hold no animosity towards Billings or its proprietors. I'm even willing to admit that I've never even stepped foot inside the shop. I just thought all the initial hype would've had a shelf life, and I'm slightly perplexed as to why it hasn't died out or down. That's all.
leenewham wrote:Isn't it good to be positive about something local BBW?
Yes, within reason.
leenewham wrote:Do you dislike Billings?
I hold no animosity towards Billings or its proprietors. I'm even willing to admit that I've never even stepped foot inside the shop. I just thought all the initial hype would've had a shelf life, and I'm slightly perplexed as to why it hasn't died out or down. That's all.
Let's be positive about your cynicism, BBW, but only within reason. The problem is that you like the cynical pose, but sometimes when asked to justify it, you run away - as in this recent post - failing to back it up with reasoning. And here again, you have nothing to say on the matter other than a knee-jerk aversion to what you probably see as our local chattering classes. Cynicism isn't such a bad thing if it prompts you to go asking awkward questions, and coming up with answers which deserve to be known. But you're firing blanks here.
Tim, I fully understand that you enjoy using the textlink function, but in this instance your enthusiasm has got the better of you. I know you're trying to subtly bait me, but I'm afraid I'm impervious to such obvious antagonism. If you actually read back through the comments I've witten on this thread, you'll see that I've actually remained quited measured and objective. I've clearly outlined the reasons for arousing my suspicion - which I've even hinted at perhaps being unwarranted. I was just a bit mystified as to why all these recurring Billing threads keep appearing.
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I hold no animosity towards Billings or its proprietors. I'm even willing to admit that I've never even stepped foot inside the shop. I just thought all the initial hype would've had a shelf life, and I'm slightly perplexed as to why it hasn't died out or down. That's all.[/quote]
Well, if you've never been in you wouldn't know why people are saying it's such a good addition to our high street, therefore you have no reason to complain about people saying they like it. If you had been in and thought it was rubbish or even average then you would have every right.
Also, in case you didn't notice, previous posts were about the fish shop, it is now also a butchers, therefore people are commenting about the butchers and it being a good addition to the high street, very different subjects.
Anyway...you should go in, see what you think, we'd be interested to know.
G-Man wrote:Well, if you've never been in you wouldn't know why people are saying it's such a good addition to our high street, therefore you have no reason to complain about people saying they like it. If you had been in and thought it was rubbish or even average then you would have every right.
Hi, G-Man.
In case you hadn't noticed, I've already conceded that my scepticism may be unwarranted. Even I can admit when I'm wrong. I suppose I'll just have to wait until I've actually been inside before I choose whether or not to give Billings both barrels. Though I hasten to add that aesthetically (even a non-attendee can comment on that, right?) it is indeed a welcome addition to an otherwise grubby highstreet. Better than yet another tat emporium, eh.
Bloody great place. Very impressed. Just what the highstreet needs. Knowledgeable butcher and superb meat. Love the fact that the excellent sausages and burgers homemade on site. All very borough market. And the fish section was great anyway. The space is plenty big enough. Well done the boys at Billings and let's all support it.