During times of economic hardship and a difficult trade for the pub and hotel industry, one Shropshire business has not compromised on its links with a family butcher.
The Arleston Inn Hotel, Arleston Brook, Telford, first ordered its meat from G. N. Badley & Sons when it was owned by Bill and Helen Lawrence - the aunt and uncle of Kay Badley.
They set up the link because Kay’s husband Keith and father-in-law Gordon launched the butchers in 1976 and despite going through two owners since then, The Arleston continues to keep up the once-family tradition.
Current owner Merle Cotterill, 56, and her partner Kevin Oliver, 62, have run the hotel for 12 years.
Ms Cotterill said: “We have always got our meat from Badleys.
“I used to use them when I worked at The Swan in Wellington so I knew as soon as Kevin and I took on our own place we would keep using Badleys.
“The quality is what we want and we have never had any complaints.
“The people, the family and staff, as people are wonderful there as well, I couldn’t go anywhere else.”
All the meat served in the hotel is from Badleys including steaks, pork and beef for the carvery.
An order is sent every week.
“Our speciality is a 24oz rib eye steak and that comes from Badleys,” Ms Cotterill added.
“Kay cuts it to order, she cuts any size to order as long as I give her a days notice.
“It is just brilliant service and I am so pleased we can carry on the tradition that started in her family, I couldn’t see us ever changing supplier.”
G. N. Badleys & Sons, in Gibbons Road, Trench, has been supplying business across the UK for almost 40 years.
Kay Badley said: “I was so pleased that I could put my aunt and uncle in touch with my husband’s business at first but I never imagined that link would still be active today.
“When Bill and Helen left the owners Margaret and Hamilton took over and they continued to use our butchers because they were happy with our service.
“For Merle and Kevin to still use us today means we could be one of the longest suppliers and consumers business partnerships in Telford.
“It is great to know so many people are pleased with our service and to keep the family link with this hotel going makes it all the more special.”
For more information on the latest products from G. N. Badley & sons call 0808 901 2110, email info@gnbadleyandsons.co.uk
For more in formation on GN Badley please follow this link.
