About us

Our History

Barnes of Keighley has a proud heritage dating back to 1890, when Bob Scaife first started selling meat in the old outdoor market of Keighley. From those humble beginnings in the Victorian era, Bob dedicated himself to perfecting the craft of butchery, establishing the high standards and traditional methods that would define our business for generations to come.

Through a time-honoured system of apprenticeships, Bob's expertise and passion for quality meat was carefully passed down through the decades. Each generation of craftsmen built upon the knowledge of their predecessors, ensuring that the traditional skills and techniques were preserved whilst adapting to the changing times.

Today, Ben Barnes carries forward this remarkable legacy, now leading the business with the same commitment to excellence that Bob Scaife established over 130 years ago. Under Ben's guidance, we've embraced the most modern techniques and equipment available, whilst maintaining the utmost respect for the traditional methods that have served us so well throughout our history.

Our shop has played an integral role in the dry curing bacon history of the region, and we continue to be at the forefront of modern butchering practices. This unique combination of historical expertise and contemporary innovation sets us apart in today's market.

Our Team

What truly sets Barnes of Keighley apart is our exceptional team of talented people who represent the very best of their craft. Each member of our staff has reached the top of their profession, combining natural talent with rigorous training in both traditional and modern techniques.

Our team members are not only masters of their trade, but they're also genuinely down-to-earth people who are passionate about what they do. They take pride in sharing their knowledge with customers, offering expert advice on cuts, cooking methods and helping you select the perfect meat for any occasion.

This blend of exceptional skill, youthful energy, and approachable personalities creates a unique atmosphere in our shop. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, our staff will ensure you receive the highest quality products along with the friendly, knowledgeable service that has been our hallmark since 1890.

England's Business Awards Yorkshire Winner logo with gold laurel wreath on black background

Best Butchers in Yorkshire

Barnes of Keighley has been crowned Best Butchers in Yorkshire 2025! This incredible honour was awarded through a comprehensive judging process that included customer votes, a mystery shopper assessment, and evaluation by a distinguished panel of industry judges.

This achievement is a testament to the exceptional dedication, skill, and passion of our entire team. Every member of the Barnes of Keighley family has contributed to this success - from our skilled butchers who craft each cut with precision and care, to our front-of-house team who provide the warm, knowledgeable service our customers have come to love.

The rigorous judging process evaluated us on multiple criteria, and we're proud that our commitment to quality, customer service, and traditional butchery excellence shone through at every level. Our team's unwavering dedication to sourcing the finest local produce, maintaining the highest standards of food safety, and going above and beyond for every customer has truly paid off.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers whose votes helped secure this award, and to everyone who has supported us on this journey. This recognition belongs to our entire community - our team, our customers, and everyone who believes in the value of traditional, quality butchery.

Thank you for making us Yorkshire's Best Butchers 2025. We promise to continue delivering the exceptional quality and service that earned us this prestigious title.

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Market Stall

My story with Barnes of Keighley began when I was just 13 years old. After two years of persistent pestering for a job, I finally convinced Roy Dykes to give me a chance. What started as youthful determination to work in the shop became the foundation of everything we've built today.

Those early years working under Roy's guidance were invaluable. I learned not just the craft of butchery, but the importance of building relationships with customers, understanding quality, and taking pride in every aspect of the business. Roy was more than just a boss - he was a mentor who shaped my understanding of what it means to run a proper butcher's shop.

At 19, when the opportunity arose to buy the shop from Roy, it felt like both a natural progression and an enormous responsibility. Taking over Barnes of Keighley meant carrying forward the traditions and standards that Roy had established, while bringing my own vision for the future.

From that determined 13-year-old who wouldn't take no for an answer, to becoming the owner at 19, every step of this journey has been about dedication to the craft and commitment to our community. Today, as we celebrate being named Best Butchers in Yorkshire 2025, I'm reminded that it all started with persistence, great mentorship, and a genuine love for what we do.

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Queens road

Established in 1934, the premises on Queens Road has proudly served as both a butchers and bakers for nearly a century. This cherished local institution has remained steadfast in its dedication to the community, consistently delivering exceptional quality products at fair prices.

Under the stewardship of Chris and Linda Herd, the business expanded and thrived, serving not only local residents but also supplying fresh, quality produce to businesses throughout the area. The shop evolved to include a bustling sandwich operation, adding another dimension to community service.

Today, as Barnes of Keighley under Ben Barnes, we continue this proud tradition while bringing fresh energy and vision to the business. Our unwavering commitment remains the same as it was in 1934 - everything we offer is fresh, flavourful, and crafted with care. From our traditional butchery and baking to our popular sandwiches, we take immense pride in maintaining the highest standards that have made Queens Road a trusted name for generations.

This rich heritage of quality and community service continues to drive everything we do, ensuring that whether you're a long-standing customer or discovering us for the first time, you'll experience the same dedication to excellence that has defined us for almost 90 years - now enhanced by our recent recognition as Best Butchers in Yorkshire 2025.

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