Lishman’s of Ilkley scoops top national honours last week for its Dry Cured Streaky Bacon and Game & Red Wine Pie.
Celebrating 40 years in 2026, Lishman’s of Ilkley has scooped two prestigious national awards at this year’s Smithfield Awards, announced at Butchers’ Hall in London on Wednesday, 22 April.
One of ten artisan butchers from across the UK to be crowned top of their class, the Ilkley butcher’s Dry Cured Streaky Bacon won the ‘Home Cured Bacon‘ category, sponsored by Dalesman. Lishman’s also won a second category - the only butcher to do so at the 2026 awards - with its Game & Red Wine Pie which won the ‘Speciality Game Meat Product’ category, sponsored by Eat Game.
Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, the awards which have run for more than 30 years, recognise and reward the UK’s finest craft butchery products including Traditional Pork Sausage, Best Burger, Home-Cured Bacon, BBQ Product and Best Butchers Steak.
In what is widely recognised as the meat trade’s most high profile and challenging product evaluation, products are awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold award by a panel of independent industry judges, with all Gold products in each category then pitched against each for the category champion Diamond Award. The coveted Diamond Awards were presented to Lishman’s of Ilkley by Dr Carrie Ruxton, one of the UK’s most respected voices in nutrition, public health messaging and evidence-based food communication.
Lishman’s of Ilkley’s Dry Cured Streaky Bacon achieved full marks with a staggering 70 out of a possible 70 and was described by judges as ‘a wonderful, faultless product’. It’s Game and Red Wine Pie scored an exceptional 69 out of 70 and received high praise for both its taste and appearance..
The butcher also received a further four Gold Awards - the highest possible rating from the Guild – for its Heritage Breed Rib Eye Steak, Thick Champion Pork Sausage, Pork Pie and Beech Smoked Chicken and Silver awards for its Beef and Red Wine Pie and Toulouse Sausage.
Emma Lishman of Lishman’s of Ilkley said:
“Winning Diamond Awards for our home‑cured bacon and game products means a great deal to us. These are categories close to our hearts and it’s genuinely humbling to have the care, sourcing and craftsmanship behind them recognised at this level.”
Gordon Wallace, Q Guild Manager said:
“The standard of entries this year was incredibly high, which makes Lishman’s of Ilkley’s achievement all the more impressive. To be named best in class in two categories and win two Diamond Awards and also take home four additional Gold awards is a fantastic result. Their success is a real testament to the quality and consistency of their products and reflects the innovation and excellence driving the craft butchery sector forward.”
From a strong farming family, David Lishman embarked on a career in butchery with a single shop in 1986. Lishman’s of Ilkley went onto launch their now nationally-renowned charcuterie arm in 2010 and the business is currently run by David alongside his daughter, Emma. In 2022 the store was completely refurbished featuring a standalone charcuterie display section and butchers’ display window featuring Himalayan salt blocks that create the perfect environment for dry-ageing beef and maximising its flavour.
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