We only have a small general store and PO in the village, run by one couple with some young weekend helpers who are all very friendly and helpful.
Some years ago, I was involved in a village history project and discovered that, around 1900, there were 18 shops in the same village, including 3 butchers! But then, of course, people did not travel, and bought everything locally, some not even venturing into the market town 40 minutes' walk away.
About buying meat: we are not great meat eaters, but when we do, I must admit we buy ours from Waitrose, Booths or Tesco and are not often disappointed. They all have meat counters where you can ask for things or choose the size and shape of cuts. There are two butchers in our market town and people queue, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, so hopefully, for their and their customers' sakes, they will remain open.
I hope this is not typically British
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