Chester Market butcher marks 50 years as trader
A Chester Market butcher is celebrating his fiftieth year as a trader this month.
Geoff Hughes, owner of Geoff Hughes Family Butchers, began working in the old market at the Forum Shopping Centre as a Saturday boy in 1975, aged 14. He went on to set up his own business in 1996 with his wife Debbie, who he met while working in the market.
Geoff has become a well-known figure in the market and cut the ribbon when the new Chester Market opened in November 2022. He says he has no plans to retire.
“I have enjoyed every day as a market trader, and of course there have been challenges along the way, markets and tastes have evolved over the past fifty years but it’s been an honour to serve generations of families, and I’d like to thank my customers for their loyalty,” he said.
“As the last butcher trading in the city centre I was delighted to be able to make the move to the new market, to carry on offering great service and an even wider range of quality local meat and poultry, eggs and sauces plus our award-winning sausages handmade in the market.”
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: “I would like to congratulate Geoff on this incredible milestone, he has dedicated his life to serving market customers and is a respected member of the market community, cherished by his customers and other traders alike.”
Geoff’s stall is next to Chester Market Fishmongers, run by Steve Cartridge who has over 20 years’ experience, and the Sheng Hai Oriental Supermarket.
Since opening in November 2022, the new market has welcomed over six million customers and won awards including Best Social Space at the Northern Design Awards, a Taste of Cheshire award, and Best New Market at the Market Industry Trade Awards.
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