THE last independent butcher in Summertown is celebrating 25 years of being a cut above this weekend.

Alcock’s Family Butchers in Banbury Road, Oxford, was opened by Tony Alcock in 1986.

He served the community for 19 years before passing the shop on to his daughter Lee England and her husband Paul.

Now grandchildren Lana, Harrison and Ava are getting in on the family business.

Mr England, 42, said: “I’ve been working here for 20 years now.

“Lee used to deliver with her dad when she was about 12 or 13. She delivered some meat to my mother, we got chatting and that was it.

“I started as a delivery driver and I always vowed to Tony that I’d do anything, but I’d never work in the shop.

“I never thought 20 years later I’d own it.”

He added: “We’re a real family effort. It’s nice that Lana is starting like her mum did back in the ’80s.”

When the shop opened in 1986 there were nine butchers in the area of Summertown.

Alcock’s is now the only remaining one and in 2007 the business expanded to include a fishmonger.

Mr England said: “I’m not sure why we’re the only ones still here.

“It could be because of the friendly atmosphere. We do lots of specific cuts and we’ve got very loyal customers.”

But habits and tastes had changed a lot in the past two decades, he said.

“People want different cuts now. They read things in recipe books or see a celebrity chef on TV and want to cook that meal.

“There are so many cookery shows now, once people see a chef using a particular cut, that’s the one they want.

“They won’t be able to get many of them at the supermarket so they come here.”

He added: “We get a lot of people asking for the lower end of cuts too – brisket, breast of lamb – as they are cutting back in hard times.

“We have our ups and downs like everyone else, but business is ok right now.”

Alcock’s is holding a celebratory pig roast from 11am until 3pm on Saturday. Everyone is welcome.

Mr England added: “We know supermarkets are more convenient, we all go there, but sometimes people need to spend an extra five or ten minutes supporting local shops.

“It’s not just the butchers, but all independent shops. They need to be supported or else they won’t survive.”