One in Five Brits Admit They’re Butcher-Shy

New research released from Orchard Pig cider uncovers a growing appetite for quality meat, with a quarter (25%) of Brits, and 35% of Londoners, visiting their local butcher more than ever before.

While interest is growing however, confidence in the kitchen still lags behind. One in five Brits (20%) admit they’re butcher-shy, as they confess to feeling unsure when discussing specific cuts such as ribeye, pork shoulder, or lamb shank with 8% saying this nervousness is enough to avoid their local butcher altogether.

Despite this, the research shows a strong appetite from Brits to cook with premium ingredients, with over half (51%) of UK adults saying they would do so more often if they weren’t worried about getting it wrong. The generation lacking cooking confidence the most? Millennials. More than three quarters (76%) of 25–34 year-olds say a lack of confidence holds them back from cooking with premium ingredients, a feeling shared by 63% of Gen Z. In contrast, only 35% of baby boomers feel the same.

The research also showed that nearly a third (31%) of millennials believe that a step-by-step masterclass would give them the confidence to cook with premium ingredients. Meanwhile, a further 32% say that expert advice on choosing the right cut of meat would make all the difference – higher than the national average of 23%. Trusted recipes (34%) and easy-to-follow guidance on avoiding everyday slip-ups in the kitchen (23%) were also highlighted as important confidence-builders for Brits.

To help turn curiosity into confidence, premium cider brand Orchard Pig has teamed up with Perry’s Butchers in Spitalfields to host an exclusive sausage-making and cider-sipping masterclass. Guests will boost their confidence at the butcher’s counter and when handling premium ingredients, while enjoying the unique opportunity to craft one-off sausages made with Orchard Pig cider.

“It’s fantastic to see people taking such a keen interest in where their food comes from,” said founder and Butcher Perry Burns, who led the event. “As butchers we don’t just sell meat – we guide customers in choosing the right cut, share expert advice, and help them get the very best from the ingredients they buy. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular at your local butchers, we love seeing people choose premium ingredients, learn about best-practice preparation, and discover where their food comes from.”

Confidence at the counter! Tips from Perry, at Perry’s Butchers:

Not sure where to start? If you want flavour and value, skip the usual suspects. Ask for underrated cuts like onglet, bavette, or flat iron steak. They’re budget-friendly but packed with flavour – perfect for beginners wanting to try something new without breaking the bank.
Want to impress without spending a fortune? Try a hidden gem and ask your butcher about Denver steak. It comes from the chuck and is incredibly tender but still under the radar.
Cost conscious? Be honest about your budget. There’s no need to feel awkward. Butchers are used to working within budgets and can suggest options that fit.
Cooking for a group? Here’s your cheat sheet. As a rule of thumb, if you’re cooking a roast or similar dish, allow 250g of meat per person. Your butcher can help you size up and suggest cuts that suit the occasion.

Michael McAdam brand manager at Orchard Pig, added, “We’ve always valued bold flavours and quality ingredients, and we want to inspire people across the UK to feel confident using premium produce. That’s why we’re celebrating the return of real butchery with a hands-on, limited-time masterclass in partnership with Perry’s Butchers. It’s a chance for people to learn new skills, get stuck into making our cider -infused sausages – and enjoy an Orchard Pig while they’re at it!”

To provide Londoners with an extra confidence boost, Orchard Pig is hosting a limited-edition public butchery and sausage-making masterclass at Perry’s Butchers on Saturday 11th October and Sunday 12th October, and people can secure free tickets for the event via Eventbrite: Butcher’s Block Party – Sausage-Making Workshop & Butchery Masterclass Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite