In the heart of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, nestled along the historic Brook Street, lies a traditional butcher shop that has captured the hearts—and appetites—of locals and visitors alike. Allums Butchers is more than just a purveyor of meat; it is a symbol of Yorkshire’s proud culinary heritage. Known for its famous hand-raised pork pies, quality meats, and unwavering commitment to traditional methods, Allums Butchers has grown from humble market stall beginnings into one of the region’s most respected independent butcher shops.
A Family-Run Business Rooted in Heritage
The story of Allums Butchers begins decades ago, well before it became a registered limited company in 2004. At the helm is Jonathan Allum, who started helping on the family market stall at the young age of 16. It was there he learned the time-honoured skills of butchery, customer service, and the importance of community trust. As the market era gave way to more permanent retail spaces, Jonathan transitioned operations to their current location at 37a Brook Street.
Despite the evolution of consumer habits and a changing retail environment, Allums Butchers has remained steadfast in its dedication to traditional values. Jonathan, together with Lucia Jean Allum, has worked tirelessly to uphold the reputation of the family name, blending age-old techniques with a modern understanding of customer needs.
Wakefield’s Most Famous Pork Pies
Perhaps the crown jewel in Allums Butchers’ repertoire is their legendary pork pies. These golden-crusted delicacies have become so iconic that they have earned the praise of celebrity Wakefield native Jane McDonald, who famously cited Allums’ pork pies as one of the reasons she chooses to remain in the area. The recipe is refreshingly simple—lard, flour, salt and boiling water—but the real magic lies in the preparation and sourcing of top-quality ingredients.
At one time, Allums produced as many as 4,000 pork pies per week. Today, that number has declined to around 1,500 due to shifting dietary preferences and health-conscious trends, yet the pies have not lost their appeal. For many, they remain the very definition of a comforting Yorkshire treat.
More Than Just Pies: A Full-Service Butcher
While their pork pies may be the showstopper, Allums Butchers offers an extensive selection of meats and prepared foods. Customers can find an array of locally-sourced cuts including beef, lamb, pork and poultry. The shop also stocks a broad assortment of homemade sausages, cooked meats, Cornish pasties and savoury bakes that cater to a variety of palates.
The team at Allums is trained not only in the art of cutting and preparing meat but also in providing advice to customers. Whether you’re planning a Sunday roast or a summer barbecue, their expertise ensures you leave with exactly what you need.
Presence at Local Markets and Community Engagement
Allums Butchers continues to support Wakefield’s community fabric by maintaining a strong presence at local farmers’ markets. Notably, they feature at events such as the Horsforth Farmers’ Market, where their pies and pasties are quickly snapped up by early-morning shoppers.
Their commitment to community extends beyond mere retail. By sourcing local produce and supporting regional farming, Allums Butchers reinforces the importance of a sustainable, local food economy. This approach not only ensures freshness and traceability but also fosters a sense of regional pride.
Adapting to Changing Times Without Compromising Values
Over the years, Allums Butchers has adapted to meet the demands of a more fast-paced, digitally driven world. While they remain firmly committed to in-person service and the personal touch, they also offer home delivery options for large orders, particularly benefiting elderly or less mobile customers in the Wakefield area.
Their ability to balance tradition with modern convenience has allowed the business to stay relevant without compromising on the values that define it. In a market increasingly dominated by supermarkets and online retailers, Allums Butchers has carved out a loyal customer base by offering something these larger entities cannot—authenticity and trust.
Behind the Counter: A Hardworking Team
Any business is only as strong as the people behind it, and at Allums Butchers, the staff are the lifeblood of daily operations. Trained in both traditional and contemporary butchery methods, the team is known for their friendly demeanour, efficiency and product knowledge.
However, like many small businesses, Allums has faced its fair share of challenges. Some staff reviews have highlighted concerns over management and work conditions, which is not uncommon in long-standing family-run businesses undergoing generational transitions. Nonetheless, the focus has always been on upholding product quality and serving the local community with integrity.
Celebrity Endorsements and Media Appearances
Allums Butchers has not gone unnoticed in the wider world. Their products and shop have been featured in media including national newspapers and television programmes. The Yorkshire Post has profiled their pork pies, while appearances on shows such as The One Show and Loose Women have helped spread their name beyond Wakefield.
Such exposure brings both opportunities and responsibilities. It puts a spotlight on their product quality and business ethos, making it even more vital to maintain the high standards that first earned them such attention.
The Importance of Local Butchers in Modern Britain
The relevance of local butchers like Allums cannot be overstated. In an era where food production is often hidden behind faceless corporations and opaque supply chains, butchers offer transparency, craftsmanship and a sense of locality.
Allums Butchers exemplifies this role. Their shop is not just a place to buy meat—it’s a cultural touchstone. It’s where generations of families have gone to get their Sunday joints, holiday hams, and Christmas turkeys. It’s where names are known, preferences remembered, and quality never compromised.
What Makes Allums Stand Out
So, what sets Allums Butchers apart from the competition? It’s the combination of time-tested techniques, local sourcing, and a deep respect for customer service. Their pies don’t just taste good; they carry the soul of a region. Their meat isn’t just cut; it’s selected with care and trimmed with precision.
Add to that their deep-rooted family values, their resilience through changing market trends, and their genuine connection to the people of Wakefield, and you begin to understand why Allums is so beloved.
The Future of Allums Butchers
Looking ahead, the future of Allums Butchers will likely involve more modernisation, especially in how customers interact with the brand. There is potential for an enhanced online presence, expanded delivery zones, and even product innovations that cater to evolving tastes—such as leaner meat options or plant-based alternatives.
However, whatever changes lie ahead, they will no doubt be guided by the same core principles that have sustained the business for generations: integrity, quality and community.
Conclusion: Why Allums Butchers Deserves the Spotlight
Allums Butchers is not merely a business—it is a cultural treasure. It embodies everything that makes British butchery special: skill, tradition, honesty and pride. Whether you’re a Wakefield local or a visitor passing through, stepping into Allums feels like stepping back to a time when food was personal, service was genuine, and every purchase came with a story.
In a time of increasing detachment from the sources of our food, Allums Butchers stands as a shining example of how heritage, quality and customer care can still thrive in the modern world. From their award-worthy pork pies to their expertly curated cuts of meat, they continue to serve as a benchmark for what a great British butcher should be.
