Blackwell & Co butcher’s shop opens in Long Melford to continue 160-year legacy of predecessor Ruse & Son

Where the story of one long-standing family-run butcher’s shop concluded another has begun, with the aim of continuing its predecessor’s legacy.

Blackwell & Co – the trading name of north Essex-based Direct Meats Ltd – has officially launched its new branch in Long Melford.

The business has taken over the building formerly occupied by Ruse & Son – continuing the site’s long history as a butcher’s.

For 160 years, five generations of the Ruse family ran their business at the premises in Hall Street, which were originally acquired by Teverson Ruse back in 1860.

It remained an institution of Long Melford until its closure in 2020, after which the shop was purchased on the open market by Horsley Holder Properties Ltd in November 2023.

The tenancy was then handed to third-generation farmer Martin Blackwell, who set up Direct Meats Ltd in May 1995.

Based at Knights Farm in Chappel, the specialist butchery and meat curing company rebranded as Blackwell & Co earlier this year to reflect its family heritage.

Mr Blackwell said the new venture would serve as an extension to their existing business, adding that the Long Melford site was an ideal fit because of their previous working relationship with the Ruse family.

“We are excited at turning the shop into a destination shop which, if successful, would have a bonus spin-off for existing shops in the village,” he said.

“The Blackwell family are no strangers to the premises, having supplied Ruses with Christmas turkeys for many years.”

The team at the new Blackwell & Co includes Gareth Boothby – previously the long-time chef at the former Chimneys Restaurant, in Long Melford, under the late Sam Chalmers.

The formal opening of the outlet took place on November 30 in the company of Long Melford Parish Council and Babergh District Council chairman Liz Malvisi.

To mark the symbolic handover from one butcher’s shop to another, previous owner Henry Ruse was also in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with his granddaughter Phyliss, who lived much of her life at the site.

Speaking on behalf of his family, Mr Ruse said: “We are delighted at the new use for the premises and wish the Blackwell family every success for the future.”