In the heart of Monmouth on Monnow Street lies a gem of tradition, craftsmanship and community: Hancocks Butchers. This year marks a remarkable milestone — 125 years of the business serving its local community. Founded when Queen Victoria was still on the throne (in 1900) and the London Underground’s Central Line was only just opening, the shop has witnessed three generations, two world wars, massive shifts in retail and countless customer visits.
For us at PFM Plus, a company dedicated to supporting butchers up and down the UK with expert advice and top-quality butcher equipment for sale, this milestone is more than a celebration – it’s an affirmation of what happens when tradition meets the right tools and a deep sense of community.
When founder Alderman Charles Hancocks acquired the business for £20 and 10 shillings in 1900, he was already walking cattle up to 18 miles on foot from Ross-on-Wye or Hereford Market to Monmouth. Back then, the shop wasn’t just a retail outlet – it was a lifeline for the local community, supplying fresh meat, supporting local farms and serving families through changing times.
In the 1950s, the business passed to Reginald Hancocks who, despite serious health setbacks, expanded the offering to include greengrocers and fishmongers – a smart diversification in changing retail landscapes. Then Howard Hancocks took the helm in 1973, modernised techniques while keeping the family-shop ethos, and earned accolades like South Wales Butcher of the Year and Burger Master of Wales.
Through all these years, Hancocks has remained a trusted name among local butchers – appreciated for its quality cuts, friendly service and local roots. It offers a vivid reminder of why people still look for “local butchers near me” rather than simply buying from big supermarkets.
As specialists in butcher equipment for sale we at PFM Plus understand that even the most established butcher needs the right tools to thrive. A boutique shop like Hancocks is built on reputation, consistency, and the ability to deliver fresh, well-prepared meat day-in, day-out. That’s where good equipment matters: from a reliable vacuum packer to a high-quality bone saw, from climate-controlled display cabinets to efficient cold storage.
When we talk about “butchers choice” it’s not just a catch-phrase—it means choosing equipment that’s fit for purpose, from trusted manufacturers, tailored to your workflow. Whether you’re running a long-standing community shop or launching a new venture, the right equipment helps you serve customers better, reduce wastage, stay compliant with hygiene standards and deliver quality that keeps people coming back.
For example, if you’re setting up or upgrading your shop, you might refer to our guide: Starting a food business? Here’s the PFM equipment checklist every pro needs to ensure you cover everything from refrigeration to display, from cutting tables to packaging.
In a world where many customers now search “online butchers uk” or “local butchers near me”, having high standards in your shop matters more than ever. A butcher that looks good, operates cleanly, is well-equipped—and communicates its story—stands out.
At PFM Plus we’re proud to be trusted by both longstanding shops like Hancocks and new ventures alike. When a butcher is looking for butcher equipment for sale, we don’t just supply machines—we provide guidance, best-practice, and an understanding of how each piece fits into the broader business. Whether you’re a specialist sausage-maker, a local high-street butcher or an e-commerce “butchers choice” supplier, we’ll work with you to ensure you have the right setup for success.
We believe that shops like Hancocks don’t just serve meat—they serve memories, relationships and trust. And when you invest in good equipment, you honour that legacy while building for the future.
As Hancocks celebrates 125 years, the story is far from over. New generations of customers, evolving demands, and fresh competition from “online butchers uk” platforms mean that even community stalwarts must keep adapting. But with the right mindset, the right tools and a clear sense of purpose, they thrive.
If you’re a butcher (or thinking of becoming one), take inspiration from the longevity of Hancocks and ask yourself: do I have the equipment and support to match my ambition? At PFM Plus we’re here to answer that question—helping you source the best butcher equipment for sale, align your business with best practice, and connect with your local community.
Here’s to many more years of quality service, local trust and craftsmanship. And congratulations again to Hancocks Butchers of Monmouth—125 years and counting.
If you’d like to explore how we can help your butcher business—with equipment, set-up advice or simply a chat—please reach out. We’re passionate about helping butchers succeed.
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