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Lizzie Douglas of The Black Pig butchers credits daughter's TikTok videos for BBC Food and Farming Award

11:38, 30 November 2021

updated: 13:20, 30 November 2021

TikTok videos showcasing the behind-the-scenes works of artisan butcher Lizzy Douglas have helped towards her latest national award.

The Black Pig owner from Deal beat off tough competition to receive the Food Producer Award in this year's prestigious BBC Food and Farming Awards.

Lizzy Douglas with judges Angela Hartnett and Sheila Dillon Picture: Lizzy Douglas
Lizzy Douglas with judges Angela Hartnett and Sheila Dillon Picture: Lizzy Douglas

The 47-year-old was nominated by her customers and has credited her daughter Josie Luckhurst, 18, who took to making TikTok videos in the shop during lockdown.

She believes the short films, which depict her artisan style and ethos, helped demonstrate to judges, journalist Sheila Dillon and chef Angela Hartnett, her team's dedication to butchery.

Ms Douglas opened the business in St George's Passage in 2014, having been trained for 12 years by former Kingsdown butcher Alan Doyle.

Her philosophy is to use only naturally reared, free range meat to create flavoursome produce that supports the local economy.

She said: "I think the videos were a big part of me being shortlisted.

"I think they [the judges] liked that it shows our roots are in a traditional trade but with a contemporary feel, which makes it accessible.

"They give a good, fine incite into the week's activities in the shop, from the perspective of a youngster who wants to do something fun."

Ms Douglas attended the awards ceremony at the BBC Studios in London on Wednesday with two of her staff, Callum Grundon and Matthew Tyler.

She was named one of nine winners, with competition in her category from HMPasties, a small business employing ex convicts, and Lancashire based community cooperative farm, Growing with Grace.

She received an engraved wooden chopping board which she says she will use in the shop for tasters.

Lizzy Douglas shows off her BBC Food and Farm Award to the man who trained her, former Kingsdown butcher Alan Doyle Picture: Lizzy Douglas
Lizzy Douglas shows off her BBC Food and Farm Award to the man who trained her, former Kingsdown butcher Alan Doyle Picture: Lizzy Douglas

She said: "What's been really nice is the reception from friends and family, and the Deal community.

"It's not until I got back home I realised what is means for everybody involved."

As an essential shop, The Black Pig remained open during lockdown and it was during this period that she took on two new employees.

She said: "Callum and Matthew were two chefs that suddenly didn't have their restaurant jobs.

"They came and worked for me and they've brought much more variety to the prepared things we do."

Lizzy Douglas opened The Black Pig in Deal in 2014
Lizzy Douglas opened The Black Pig in Deal in 2014

It's a second gong for Ms Douglas who received a YBF (Young British Foodie) award in November 2019.

She has thanked her loyal customers for their ongoing support.

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