Competition: Hornsby’s best butcher revealed as Barry’s Tender Meats, Hornsby Heights

We asked you to vote for your favourite butcher in the wider Hornsby area and the results are now in. SEE WHO THE WINNER IS.

The best butcher in Hornsby has been revealed as Barry Watters from Barry’s Tender Meats in Hornsby Heights. Picture: supplied

The winner taking the title of Hornsby’s best butcher can be revealed as Barry’s Tender Meats in Hornsby Heights, just in time for Christmas.

It comes after the community nominated their favourite butchers and it was put to a vote in our online poll.

The butchery has been operating for 12 years and is owned by Barry Watters, 76, of Glenhaven.

Mr Watters said he began butcher work at the mere age of 15 and always dreamt of being self employed.

Barry and Stephanie Watters say they love their jobs with no plans to retire anytime soon. Picture: supplied

“I think I’ll keep going until I’m at least 80, I just love doing what I’m doing. My wife Stephanie likes working in the shop also, we both work about seven days a week,” Mr Watters said.

“I think it’s very exciting the community voted for us, I’m very grateful to our loyal customers who value us. I’m humbled.

“Hornsby Heights is just such a great place, I love the people here.”

He said the key to a successful butcher shop was customer service.

“You care for people and give them quality meats. I think our customers appreciate that we send parcels out for ladies and gentlemen who are older. We put them in a car and send it to their homes.

“We’re an old style butcher shop where we cut a lot of cuts you can’t get at other butchers.

I have staff working here close to my age, who used to own their own shops and that’s how we all know how to operate.

“When you’re doing your Christmas shopping, it’s important to buy fresh and be selective of what you want. Buy quality.”

Popular butcher shop Barry Tender’s Meats shares tips for Christmas. Picture: supplied

Mr Watters worked at another butcher shop in Carlingford for 30 years before starting his owner business.

“This shop was rundown and not very well done but I saw the opportunity of turning it around and it’s been very successful.

“It’s hard work and it’s very rewarding if you want to put the time and effort into it. I would recommend young people with an interest to consider a job in a retail butcher shop.

“I’ve been butchering for a long time and I’ve never been out of work.”

He spoke about some of his loyal customers and special memories.

“I’ve got a very old customer who comes here called Jane and she brings her little dog with her. I always feed the dog little bits and because of that the dog will go in the car for me. I do it for Jane because the dog won’t get into the car for her. I think that’s pretty special.”