A BLACK Country butcher has reopened the famous Marsh & Baxter butcher’s shop in Brierley Hill High Street.

Lee Eccles, who has run the meat and deli stalls on Brierley Hill market since 2019, has taken on one of the region’s most famous historic butcher’s shops.

The prominent red brick building near the five-ways junction in Brierley Hill High Street has been empty since Walter Smith moved out some years ago.

Prior to Walter Smith, the building was home to one of two shops in the town that carried the famous name of Marsh & Baxter which was known for its Wiltshire bacon, sausages, pork pies and York hams for which they held a Royal Warrant and sold to Harrods.

Mr Eccles said: “I’m so excited to be reopening such an iconic shop on the High Street, turning it back into what it was always meant to be – a traditional butcher’s shop.

“Our aim is to sell good quality products and to give the people of Brierley Hill and surrounding areas what we like to call ‘VFM’ – value for money – and I am so proud we will also be doing our bit for the High Street and local heritage.”

Brierley Hill councillor Adam Davies said: “It’s fantastic to see Lee bringing this historic shop back into use.

“Marsh & Baxter was such a big name in our town and across the region, so it’s great to see that heritage living on in Lee’s new shop. I wish Lee, Corraina and all the team the best of luck with their new venture.” While Mr Eccles has moved his deli business from the market to the High Street premises where it will accompany a traditional meat counter, he will also be keeping a meat stall in Brierley Hill Market Hall to ensure his regular market customers are still well served.