Case Study: Crafting The Newt’s State of the Art Butchery at Avalon Farm

Overview

AES Food Equipment collaborated with The Newt in Somerset to create a cutting edge butchery facility at Avalon Farm. Designed to enhance meat production and supply capabilities, this standalone facility supports The Newt’s hotel, retail outlets, and online shop, with a focus on quality, provenance, and sustainability.

The Challenge

The Newt required a facility that could handle full-carcass butchery across various species while maintaining rigorous hygiene, efficiency, and traceability standards. AES Food Equipment was entrusted with delivering a custom stainless steel meat rail system, along with essential hygiene and butchery equipment, all tailored to meet The Newt’s unique requirements.

Our Approach

Collaborative Design & Planning

Working alongside The Newt and their architects, AES Food Equipment contributed critical insights into the design of the loading bays, meat chillers, and butchery preparation rooms. These details enabled the architects to prepare comprehensive tender documents for contractors. During the tendering process, we supported contractors by addressing technical questions to ensure smooth bidding.

Partnering with CG Fry & Son

After CG Fry & Son won the tender, AES collaborated closely with them and The Newt throughout construction. This partnership ensured the seamless integration of our twin track stainless steel meat rail system and other equipment into the facility’s design.

Tailored Solutions

AES supplied and installed key equipment to meet The Newt’s needs:

• Twin-track stainless steel rail system for efficient carcass handling.
• Hygiene equipment, including boot and apron washes, to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• A carcass loading arm to simplify loading onto the rail system.

The meat chiller was equipped with a stunning glass viewing panel, allowing visitors to observe the butchery process in action.

The Result

The completed facility at Avalon Farm combines aesthetic design with practical functionality. Clad in glass and oak, the butchery reflects The Newt’s commitment to transparency and quality. It features a production area for full-carcass processing and a workshop space for training and education.

This facility now supplies beef, lamb, and venison from Avalon Farm, alongside locally sourced pork and poultry, to The Newt’s estate, shops, and online business. Visitors can experience the craft of butchery firsthand through workshops and training initiatives.

Client Testimonial

"Our new butchery has transformed the way we handle and showcase meat at The Newt. The collaborative efforts with AES Food Equipment have resulted in a facility that’s as functional as it is beautiful. It’s a space where craft and care come together, and it’s integral to our farm-to-table approach."– The Newt

Learn More

For more information about The Newt’s butchery and their commitment to high-welfare meat production, visit their official website.