Well-known Bristol butcher to retire after almost 50 years in the trade

A Bristol butcher who is known for selling exotic meats is set to retire after almost 50 years in the trade.  

Mike Dalton, who runs MJ Dalton Butchers on Gloucester Road, is planning on stepping down in October, when he turns 60.   

The butcher, who has owned the shop since 1990 but started working there when he was 13 as a Saturday lad, is handing the business over to his number two and son.       

Mike says being in the game for so long has brought on a swathe of health issues, including a swollen ankle, hernias and a hip replacement.

He said: "Business ebbs and flows but there seems to be a lot more decent businesses coming up this end. It’s a good place, I’m just concerned about the price of everything, our electricity bill has just doubled.”   

Mike says the cost of meat has gone up by 30 per cent in the last few months, which has seen him have to raise his prices. 

But he says he has tried to keep things reasonable and prides himself on bargains such as four 8oz steaks for £12.99.  

The butchers has traditionally sold exotic meats such as zebra, wild boar, kangaroo, crocodile and buffalo but Mike says he has also had to scale this back due to the cost increasing.    

It is a very much a family-run business, with six full-time staff including Mike’s wife, daughter and son.   

His number two, Jordan Cole, 29, who has worked for him 15 years, and his 25-year-old son, Jake, are set to run the shop after he steps down.    

The butcher says he will be using his time away from the shop to catch up on holidays. 

He added: “If I get two weeks off a year, it’s not enough. This is why I’ve got all these hip problems and hernias. My wife and I like cruising but we’ve only ever done the Med and would love to do cruises further afield like the Caribbean”.   

Mike is a well-known figure on Gloucester Road, saying he is “as local as you get”, having always worked, lived and visited pubs in Horfield.     

But he admits the street has changed massively over the 50 years he has been around.  

“I’ve seen so many new families, all from London. They’re all lovely, people around here are supportive, they’re carrying on supporting the shop."

He added: “We’re fortunate around north Bishopston, we have a strong loyal following.  

“There’s a lot of areas without butchers - Lockleaze, Southmead and Filton has just shut down. It’s all about how much effort you put in - if you sell what people want and you’re nice to them, they stand a good chance."   

The butchers also does catering, delivering meat to pubs, restaurants and nursing homes.

Mike also customises his products, selling 30 different types of flavoured meats. 

“Keep it interesting and people generally will try anything," he says.