Ordering meat online is now completely normal, but the options vary a lot, and not every "online butcher" is actually a butcher. If you're deciding who to trust with your Sunday roast, here's what genuinely matters, so you can judge any online butcher (including us) on the things that count.
1. Real butchery, not just a warehouse
The best online butchers cut and prepare meat properly, rather than just repacking whatever turns up. Look for a business with actual butchers behind it, ideally one that also runs a shop or, in our case, a steakhouse, because it means the meat is held to a standard they eat and serve themselves.
2. Freshness and delivery
Meat should arrive fresh and cold, in proper insulated packaging, on a day you choose, not just dumped on a doorstep whenever. Being able to pick your delivery day is a big deal for something perishable.
3. Range and flexibility
Can you get everyday cuts and the occasional treat? Can you build a box your own way, or are you stuck with fixed bundles? The best butchers let you shop how you want, single cuts, mixed boxes, or bulk for the freezer.
4. Honest value
Not just cheap, good value, which means quality for the price and better savings when you buy in bulk. Compare price per kilo, and factor in that you're not paying for water-plumped meat.
5. Reviews you can trust
Look at what real customers say, especially about quality and how problems get handled. Any butcher can have an off day, the good ones sort it out fast.
How we measure up
We built The Fat Butcher on exactly these points: proper butchery (we run our own steakhouse), fresh chilled delivery on your chosen day, build-your-own boxes and bulk options, and thousands of customer reviews. Have a look around, start with our meat boxes or build your own, and judge us on the five points above.