Northampton butcher behind ‘booming’ one stop farmshop to launch second location very soon
A Northampton butcher behind a “booming” one stop farmshop is soon to launch a second location, which is an opportunity he could not turn down.
Anthony Barton launched The Butchers Block, located at Billing Garden Village, back in 2013 and expanded his business to house a butchers, deli and farmshop under one roof last summer.
Anthony has been involved in the butchers industry since the age of 12 and started out as a Saturday boy in the fish market.
He pivoted to work in the education and training sector and eventually accepted voluntary redundancy, which encouraged him to take the leap to set up The Butchers Block.
The business began by solely delivering to restaurants, businesses and people’s homes until it moved to Billing Garden Village around a decade ago.
The Butchers Block continued to deliver to those it previously had, as well as opening a shop for the public to visit and collect their orders.
Anthony knew 2025 was the right time to expand and double the premises in size when a nearby unit became available at Billing Garden Village.
Not only do they stock all of the products they previously did as a butchers, but it now operates as a deli and farmshop too – with cheeses, pates, fresh bread, eggs, condiments, fruit and vegetables all available, among a wider variety.
The upgrade took five-to-six weeks and it reopened to the public at the start of July last year, when it was immediately met with positive feedback.
“Business is booming and really busy,” Anthony told the Chronicle & Echo. “Everybody’s enjoying the changes, and January and February have been a good start to the year. I think it was definitely worth me doing, it’s one of the best things I’ve done.”
Anthony has made another big change by taking on the premises of Golding Butchers in Limehurst Square, which he plans to add his Butchers Block stamp to.
“I’m looking forward to going to that side of town,” said Anthony, who explained that the Golding Butchers owner is retiring on March 7 and it will reopen under his ownership on March 16. During the week it is closed it will be revamped by Anthony and his team.
“The opportunity came along and it was perfect for me,” he said. “It was a no brainer. I hope it goes the right way. It’ll be given TLC with new fridges, signage and a canopy, and we will mirror the offers from Billing.
“Everybody’s so excited for it to happen. It’s not going to have every product, but there will be three for £22 on meats, two for £12 on packs, and steak deals, as well as deli and farmshop products.
“This is it now. We’re going to build this bigger and better and get it to where it needs to be.”