By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 16:48, Monday, 18 August 2008

AWARD-WINNING Cumbrian butcher Cranstons will open a unit in the food hall at Gretna Green later this week.

Welcome: Food hall manager Rhona Henderson with Cranstons sales manager John Cowen

Cranstons has shops in Carlisle, Penrith, Brampton, Hexham and Allendale.

Alasdair Houston, chairman of the Gretna Green Group which owns the food hall as part of The World Famous Old Blacksmith’s Shop, is a farmer himself and said he understands the needs of the customer wishing to buy locally-sourced meats from reputable farmers.

He said: “There is far more consciousness towards the food that we eat and where it has come from. While price always matters, I think quality foods are becoming a priority in purchase decisions with many more people these days.”

The range from Cranstons will be complemented by meat products from quality producers in Dumfries & Galloway.

Food hall manager Rhona Henderson is new to the business and will be overseeing the development of the food hall at Gretna Green.

She comes with a wealth of experience in the food retail business.

Rhona said: “With Cranstons on board, we will provide consistently good produce with the flexibility to offer a wider range than is offered in-store through our ordering service.”

Established in 1914, Cranstons has had many years experience understanding the local customer. Sales manager John Cowen will be working closely with Rhona to make sure this latest venture is a success.

John said: “Cranstons have been serving the needs of Cumbrian residents for nearly 100 years and with six retail outlets we will be able to pass on our advice to Rhona regarding popular meats, and also how to introduce new products people may never have tried before.

“Cookery weekends are a great way for shoppers to pick up ideas on how to cook their meats, with easy recipes that take no time at all.”

In addition to supplying produce for customers of the food hall at Gretna Green, Cranstons meats will also be used by the chefs at Smiths Hotel.

On Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, Cranstons will officially launch in the food hall with some cookery demonstrations.

On Sunday, chefs from Smiths Hotel will be in the food hall kitchen, and on Monday Cumbrian chef Nick Martin will be cooking up some tasty treats.

First published at 11:46, Monday, 18 August 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk