A HEXHAM butchers will close for a week for a full refit.

But Cranstons, on Cattle Market, will continue to serve customers their butchery and delicatessen produce from a pop up shop at the back door while work is completed.

Refurbishment will begin on September 26.

Nick Collins, the shop manager, said: "The shop was last refitted when Cranstons took the reins back in 1999 so, myself and the team are excited that we are getting a fresh, new look. 

"Customers can expect the same butchery and deli produce they know and love but a much fresher shopping experience with both the exterior and interior being overhauled.

"We can’t wait for our loyal customers to see it."

Nick has worked on the premises for 33 years, starting out as a Saturday boy for the previous site owners Thompson & Huddleston.

He added: "Although the shop fitters will be busy working in the shop space, we want everyone to know that we are still trading.

"We are unable to operate a hot counter but we will be selling sausages, bacon, beef, pork and lamb along with pies and cooked meats from the back door pop-up shop between 10am-3:30pm daily."

Cranstons is a family butchers established in 1914 by current directors Philip and Roger Cranstons' great uncle Stanley Cranston.

The company has food halls at Penrith, Carlisle, Orton Grange and Brampton as well as a traditional butcher’s shop in Penrith, a café and an online shop.

The Hexham branch said it buys lamb direct from the Hexham and Northern Mart on Tyne Green and beef direct from renowned herdsman Frank Robson, South Farm, Ryal.

Peter Potts, Cranstons retail manager, added: "We are thrilled to be investing in a full refit of our Hexham shop.

"Nick and the team do a fantastic job serving their community, their efforts during the Covid pandemic to serve even the most remote and isolated of customers was really inspiring. 

"With shopping habits more or less back to normal, we are excited to bring customers a fresh, new look and to see their reactions."

Cranstons is a member of the Q Guild of Butchers - a small group of approximately 150 butchers who represent the elite of British butchery.