Honiton butcher ‘rushed off his feet’ amid Covid-19 pandemic – but still continues to provide essentials to community
Laurie Spencer, who owns Porkies in Honiton. Photo: Callum Lawton - Credit: Archant
A Honiton butcher who has remained open throughout the coronavirus pandemic has still found the time to donate to vulnerable and self-isolating residents, despite being ‘rushed off his feet’.
Laurie Spencer, of Porkies in New Street, has seen a boom in orders after much of the UK went into lockdown to combat the Covid-19 virus.
He said: “I have been very busy – I am trying to make sure everybody gets fed.
“Business has picked up, I’m dealing with a lot more new faces.
“People have been really supportive of our delivery service and meat boxes and appreciate the quality of the meat and the fact its local.”
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It’s the ‘local’ of the business which is now paying dividends for Laurie, as his produce comes from farmers scattered across East Devon – some just mere miles from Honiton.
He said: “Because I use local farmers and local catering butchers and abattoirs, my supply chain has not been affected.
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“I only sell local produce, so the only thing that affects me is the sheer amount of orders, which means I might have to wait a few hours to get more products in.”
Despite his manic work schedule, Laurie has been supporting the team at The Random Kitchen in Honiton, a pop-up kitchen which is supplying frozen cooked meals to the elderly and vulnerable in the town.
With many fearful of venturing outside during the Covid-19 pandemic, The Random Kitchen is one of several community-spirited ventures which has sprung up to help mitigate the impact of the virus.
Laurie said: “I am contributing to local things and dealing with Jason Hannay (The Random Kitchen team member) and we are donating produce and other things to the cause.”
The Covid-19 pandemic has also resulted in many shops temporarily closing, or working under reduced hours.
However, it’s all systems go at Porkies.
Laurie said: “The opening hours are staying exactly the same. There are some things we are having to do a little bit differently, but people can still come to the shop and order over the phone.
“Ring up for next day orders, or I will deliver if I have got the chance.”
