Gary Thompson, a renowned butcher from The Squealing Pig in Burpengary Plaza, is set to showcase his skills on the international stage at the World Butcher Wars.
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This prestigious competition, part of the Smoke and Fire Festival at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, UK, will take place from 20-21 July 2024.
With over four decades of experience under his belt, Thompson will face off against 23 other contestants from 18 countries in a high-stakes challenge. He and Sydney butcher Brett Laws will be the sole representatives from Australia.
Competitors will have just 30 minutes to transform a saddle of pork and a side of lamb into as many products as possible, testing their creativity, technique, and speed under pressure.
The judging panel boasts industry heavyweights, including Keith Fisher, CEO of the Institute of Meat, and Stuart Louttit, a site operations manager overseeing the production of 1.4 million kilos of retail-ready meat weekly.
They will be joined by Luciana Berry, an ambassador for Brazilian cuisine in the UK, Shannon Walker, an Australian butcher and cookbook author, and Alana Empson, a butcher and meat enthusiast.
Thompson’s journey to the world stage hasn’t been without its challenges. When he opened The Squealing Pig in Burpengary Plaza back in 2017, the shop’s name initially raised a few eyebrows. However, Thompson’s skill and dedication have since won over the community, which is now rallying behind him for this international competition.
“For me, the best part of competitions is the camaraderie of the contestants, the knowledge you gain, and the friendships you make along the way. They will last a lifetime!” Thompson shared, highlighting the personal growth that comes with these events.
The Burpengary butcher’s ambitions don’t stop at the World Butcher Wars. Thompson has also secured a spot in the World Butcher Challenge in Paris next year.
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As Gary Thompson prepares to carve out his place on the global stage, the entire Burpengary Plaza community is cheering him on. His participation not only showcases his individual talent but also puts Burpengary on the map in the world of artisanal butchery.
Featured image credit: The Squealing Pig/Facebook
Published 17-July-2024
