Mackens Make Move on West End

---

Chiswick butchers to open in Selfridges

The popular Chiswick butchers, Mackens of Turnham Green Terrace, is expanding into central London.

Rodney and Jimmy Macken have been invited by Selfridges to sell their produce in the Food Hall in the basement of their flagship Oxford Street premises.

Speaking to ChiswickW4.com, Rodney said Selfridges had approached him last week with their offer. The new concession is due to open at 9 a.m. on Monday (February 27th).

"It's a bit daunting but of course we are very pleased and proud to have been given this opportunity. I haven't had much time to sleep this week trying to get organised" he commented.

However, he reassured his Chiswick customers that 'nothing will change' at the Turnham Green shop, which boasts long queues at weekends.

"I'll be going between the two places, but our staff in Chiswick will remain the same, and our produce will be exactly as it is now" he pledged.

He is now taking on extra staff to cover the longer opening hours of the department store.

The shop which was set up in 1960 as a family business, is one of the biggest success stories amongst the independent trading community of W4.

Over a hundred restaurants are supplied with meat from Mackens, from Chiswick customers such as La Trompette, High Road House, Annies, and Charlotte's Bistro, to Grosvenor House Hotel, Chez Bruce and The Glasshouse.

Well-known names who count themselves as customers include Colin and Livia Firth, and Mary Nightingale.

Irish brothers Jim and Peter established the butcher's shop in 1960 and when Peter retired to Ireland, it was looked after by Jim and his wife Eileen until their retirement. Brothers Rodney and Jimmy are now involved. and as well as meat sourced in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, and aged on the premises, they also sell Irish produce such as Barry's Tea, and condiments.

 

February 24, 2012