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18 July 2026
Your personal insider in the meat world: Your Private Butcher
An interview with Emily Davies and Olivia Johnson, Team Leaders of the personal insider service at Private Butcher. We take an inside look at the service that turns 80% of customers into raving fans
What exactly is a personal Insider in the meat world?
Olivia Johnson:‘Think of them as your personal guide. They understand the nuances of dry-aging, know the anatomy of every cut, and can easily explain it all to the customer.
They even step into the role of a chef—advising you on how to cook it, the best spices to use, perfect side dishes, and the ideal level of doneness.’
Emily Davies: ‘It’s a complete shift from the typical 'sell-and-forget' approach to a 'guide-and-guarantee' model. II once ordered from another butcher's, and they completely forgot about us.
A whole year went by, and they never once reached out to see if we were happy with our purchase or if something went wrong. That’s exactly where we stand out.’
In short, it’s having a dedicated expert you can simply call and say:
- ‘I’m hosting six people this Saturday. Put a meat selection together for me.’ And five minutes later, your custom basket is ready for checkout.
- ‘I bought this steak, I’m standing in my kitchen, and I have absolutely no idea what to do with it.’ Your personal іnsider will walk you through the cooking process, step-by-step, directly over the phone.
- ‘I need safe, antibiotic-free meat for my child.’ They’ll handpick the best options — like lamb, or farm-reared poultry — knowing exactly what works best for a kid's diet.
‘Not sure what to choose? We’ll build your basket in 5 minutes.’
The Private Butcher website features over 50 items.
The list goes on: Beef Steaks & Butcher’s Farmhouse Chicken & Poultry, Lamb, Pork, Craft Sausages, Burgers & Smokehouse, BBQ, Ribs & Marinated Cuts, Sauces & Marinades.
The company partners with over 5 local farms across UK and operates its own production facility.
Scrolling through all these options on your own could easily take an hour. With a personal іnsider? It takes exactly 5 minutes.
The company partners with over 5 local farms across UK and operates its own production facility.
Scrolling through all these options on your own could easily take an hour. With a personal іnsider? It takes exactly 5 minutes.
Olivia: ‘People spend hours going to the store, browsing, and trying to figure out what works best. Here, it takes literally 5 to 10 minutes—our manager does all the heavy lifting. They identify exactly what you need and curate a custom selection to match.’
A personal іnsider doesn’t just search the catalog. They know the nuances between cuts and will explain them in plain English:
Ribeye: Juicy, well-marbled, perfect for the skillet or the grill.
Tenderloin (Filet Mignon): Incredibly tender and lean, ideal for those who prefer their meat without excess fat.
Tomahawk: A show-stopping Ribeye on a long bone, the ultimate centerpiece for parties.
Here are a few scenarios where this matchmaking is a game-changer:
Ribeye: Juicy, well-marbled, perfect for the skillet or the grill.
Tenderloin (Filet Mignon): Incredibly tender and lean, ideal for those who prefer their meat without excess fat.
Tomahawk: A show-stopping Ribeye on a long bone, the ultimate centerpiece for parties.
Here are a few scenarios where this matchmaking is a game-changer:
- A client asks for ‘that big bone-in steak I saw at a restaurant’ — the personal іnsider instantly knows they mean a Tomahawk.
- Someone is looking for ‘meat that tastes like childhood, right from grandma’s farm’ — the personal іnsider recommends grass-fed, farm-raised beef.
- A customer is on a keto diet—the personal іnsider builds a cart loaded with grass-fed beef, beef tallow, and sugar-free, gluten-free cottage cheese pancakes.
‘I just text my manager: “Having 6 guests over, put together something for the grill.” Five minutes later, the cart is ready, and all I have to do is check out. To me, it’s like having a personal assistant, but for food.’
— Charles, Entrepreneur and VIP Client from Bristol
‘I’m in the kitchen, and I have no idea what to do with this steak’
Only 20% of new Private Butchers clients have prior experience cooking steaks. And that’s completely normal – the reality is that steak culture in the UK is still emerging.
Emily: ‘Especially in the beginning, we get a ton of calls asking, “How should I cook this? What do I do with the bone marrow? What’s the right way to thaw it? I only have a skillet and a microwave — how can I pull this off?”
And we guide them through it. Some clients even end up buying new kitchen gear based on our recommendations because they trust us and want to achieve that perfect, restaurant-quality result.’
Olivia: ‘Even the seasoned pros get a little lost when they see imported beef from Argentina or Australia—they simply aren't familiar with those specific cuts. That’s where we step in to consult and help them make the right choice. Honestly, very few people don't need a bit of guidance.’
Clients will literally call right in the middle of cooking to get step-by-step instructions: exactly how many minutes per side, when to flip it, and how to check the doneness.
The personal іnsider tailors the cooking method to whatever equipment the client has on hand — whether that’s a grill, an air fryer, a cast-iron skillet, or a standard oven.
Some clients even text photos of their finished steaks. The manager evaluates the doneness and gives them constructive feedback for their next cooking session.
Some clients even text photos of their finished steaks. The manager evaluates the doneness and gives them constructive feedback for their next cooking session.
‘I had never cooked a steak before in my life. I was terrified of ruining it and just throwing money down the drain. The manager walked me through everything over the phone: exactly which pan to use, how many minutes to set the timer for, and when to flip it. My very first New York Strip came out a perfect medium. My husband literally couldn't believe I cooked it myself.’
— Charlotte, Birmingham, client of 4 months
‘Just the usual, please’: When your personal іnsider knows you better than you think
After just two or three orders, most clients gladly hand over the reins and switch to delegation mode.
Behind the scenes, the manager’s CRM holds your complete profile: your favorite cuts, family size, budget, what kind of kitchen gear you use, and any dietary restrictions.
Behind the scenes, the manager’s CRM holds your complete profile: your favorite cuts, family size, budget, what kind of kitchen gear you use, and any dietary restrictions.
Emily: ‘By the time they text me, I already know exactly what they want. I build their cart, send it over, and all that’s left is for them to check out. They literally don’t have to lift a finger.’
This is exactly how 80% of our VIP clients prefer to shop.
A classic request looks something like this: ‘I'm having friends over—four guys, two girls. Put together a grill package for us.’
The personal іnsider doesn’t need to ask for your budget—they already know it. They don’t need to ask what you like—they remember your preferences. A perfectly curated cart is ready in 2 to 5 minutes.
- For families with kids, this means: your manager knows your child prefers rabbit and lamb, that you strictly buy poultry from trusted local farms, and that ‘antibiotic-free’ is an absolute non-negotiable for you.
- For the grill enthusiast: they remember you ordered the Prime Ribeye last time, they know you're cooking on a ceramic grill, and they know you’ve been dying to try a 45-day dry-aged steak. The moment a fresh batch is ready, you’ll be the very first person they text.
The journey: from checkout to your freezer
Your order is packed? You get a notification. It’s shipped? You get an update. It arrived at the post office? They let you know and remind you to pick it up within three hours.
Blast freezing locks in the quality, but leaving a package sitting in a warm post office for 5–6 hours is a risk. Your personal іnsider monitors the entire ‘cold chain’ right up to your freezer door.
Blast freezing locks in the quality, but leaving a package sitting in a warm post office for 5–6 hours is a risk. Your personal іnsider monitors the entire ‘cold chain’ right up to your freezer door.
One or two days after delivery, you get a follow-up call to make sure everything arrived perfectly, to see if you loved the quality, and to ask if you need any cooking advice.
Plus, every order includes printed recipe cards specifically matched to your chosen cuts.
A quick word on freezing: There’s a common misconception in Ukraine that fresh, unaged meat (straight from slaughter) is the gold standard. That’s simply a myth.
In the global culinary world, the most flavorful meat is always aged (either wet or dry-aged). Aging is what makes it incredibly tender and develops a rich, complex flavor profile.
Blast freezing perfectly preserves that aged quality at its peak — unlike ‘chilled’ meat that sits slowly degrading in a supermarket display case for days.
Plus, every order includes printed recipe cards specifically matched to your chosen cuts.
A quick word on freezing: There’s a common misconception in Ukraine that fresh, unaged meat (straight from slaughter) is the gold standard. That’s simply a myth.
In the global culinary world, the most flavorful meat is always aged (either wet or dry-aged). Aging is what makes it incredibly tender and develops a rich, complex flavor profile.
Blast freezing perfectly preserves that aged quality at its peak — unlike ‘chilled’ meat that sits slowly degrading in a supermarket display case for days.
‘I was pretty skeptical placing my first order—how can you buy meat without looking at it and touching it first? But then the box arrived: everything was vacuum-sealed, perfectly labeled, and the weight was exact to the gram. The manager called me the next day just to ask how my cook went. Honestly, I’ve never experienced this level of service even in premium offline butcher shops.’
— Thomas, Liverpool, first order in March 2025
When things go wrong: Four stories worth hearing
Olivia: ‘Because we always have a customer-first mindset, resolving a problem is exactly what turns a frustrated buyer into our biggest brand advocate.’
The Lost New Year’s Package
The courier service accidentally delivered a holiday box to the wrong automated parcel locker, making it impossible for the client to retrieve it.
When our Team Lead realized the client lived near our office, she personally drove out, retrieved the package, and hand-delivered it to his door. She made sure the premium products didn’t spoil and that his holiday dinner was saved.
The Thawed Box That Created a Loyal Fan
A client picked up her order from the post office a bit too late, resulting in partially thawed products. We immediately issued a full refund. But the personal іnsider didn’t stop there—she guided the client on how to safely cook the items that were still in good condition and shared specific recipes. The client was so blown away by this level of care that she became a regular, and even filmed an unboxing video to share her next delivery.
The courier service accidentally delivered a holiday box to the wrong automated parcel locker, making it impossible for the client to retrieve it.
When our Team Lead realized the client lived near our office, she personally drove out, retrieved the package, and hand-delivered it to his door. She made sure the premium products didn’t spoil and that his holiday dinner was saved.
The Thawed Box That Created a Loyal Fan
A client picked up her order from the post office a bit too late, resulting in partially thawed products. We immediately issued a full refund. But the personal іnsider didn’t stop there—she guided the client on how to safely cook the items that were still in good condition and shared specific recipes. The client was so blown away by this level of care that she became a regular, and even filmed an unboxing video to share her next delivery.
‘The courier service delayed delivery by 24 hours, and some of the items started to thaw. The manager called me herself to apologize, arranged a replacement immediately, and even added a bonus gift. I didn't have to prove a thing—they just handled it.’
— Sophie, Bath, client for 9 months
The Payment Mix-Up
A client made a mistake during the payment process, and the funds went to the wrong account. Instead of leaving the client to deal with it, our team took full responsibility for the refund process. The personal іnsider stayed in constant contact, coordinating with the bank and keeping the client updated every step of the way. Once the refund was cleared, the client didn't just re-order—he signed up for a Club Membership
A client made a mistake during the payment process, and the funds went to the wrong account. Instead of leaving the client to deal with it, our team took full responsibility for the refund process. The personal іnsider stayed in constant contact, coordinating with the bank and keeping the client updated every step of the way. Once the refund was cleared, the client didn't just re-order—he signed up for a Club Membership
Olivia: ‘What amazed us was that the client didn't change his mind during that whole process. He went on to become one of our most loyal advocates.’
Sausages for the Skeptic
One of our VIP clients strictly ordered steaks and was always skeptical about our sausages—he’d say, ‘You never know what's actually inside them.’ To change his mind, his personal іnsider included a few craft sausages as a complimentary bonus—pure meat and natural spices. After just one tasting, they became a staple in his regular orders. That’s how our bonus system works: it encourages clients to explore new categories and discover the full range of our products.
One of our VIP clients strictly ordered steaks and was always skeptical about our sausages—he’d say, ‘You never know what's actually inside them.’ To change his mind, his personal іnsider included a few craft sausages as a complimentary bonus—pure meat and natural spices. After just one tasting, they became a staple in his regular orders. That’s how our bonus system works: it encourages clients to explore new categories and discover the full range of our products.
Why you can trust them: 40+ hours of training and hands-on tasting
Your personal іnsider has personally cooked every single steak they recommend to you. And we mean that literally.
Emily: ‘Once a trainee handles their first 30 calls and sales, we send them a box of our own products. We want them to experience the brand exactly as our customers do—from the unboxing to the final bite. They have to cook the steaks themselves to truly understand the difference between medium-rare and medium from firsthand experience, not just from a manual.’
Before they even take their first call, every manager goes through 14 days of intensive training, including over 40 hours of deep dives into:
- Cattle anatomy: Understanding every cut and its properties.
- Feeding types: The distinct differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef.
- Aging processes: Mastering the nuances of wet and dry-ageing.
- Product expertise: Navigating our catalog of over 50 items.
- Culinary techniques: Learning how to cook using different equipment.
Without this knowledge, they aren’t allowed to speak with a single client.
But 14 days is just the ‘entry ticket.’ It usually takes one to two months for a manager to truly hit their stride and deliver consistent, expert-level service. Between new product launches and daily briefings, the learning process never truly ends.
‘I’ve been grilling on a Big Green Egg for eight years, so I was pretty convinced I knew everything there was to know about steaks. But my manager suggested I try the Chuck Roll instead of my usual Ribeye—honestly, I never would have picked it on my own. Now, it’s my absolute go-to cut. It turns out I hadn’t even scratched the surface of what’s possible.’
— William, Glasgow, client for 14 months
The fail-safe: how we prevent expert errors
A real-world case study: During a routine daily call review, Emily Davies overheard a subtle but critical mistake. A manager had advised a client to marinate a Ribeye Choice, claiming it had ‘lower marbling.’
The Error: The manager had confused two very different terms. Chuck is a shoulder cut that often requires marinating to tenderize it. Choice, however, is a specific USDA quality grade. A Choice-grade Ribeye is naturally tender and absolutely does not need marinating.
The manager simply misspoke. The client took the advice at face value, completely unaware of the mix-up.
The Error: The manager had confused two very different terms. Chuck is a shoulder cut that often requires marinating to tenderize it. Choice, however, is a specific USDA quality grade. A Choice-grade Ribeye is naturally tender and absolutely does not need marinating.
The manager simply misspoke. The client took the advice at face value, completely unaware of the mix-up.
Emily: ‘That same day, I revoked her knowledge certification for that specific product, flagged the error, and clarified the nuance. Without consistent daily reviews, that mistake would have snowballed, affecting every subsequent client.’
Our process is built on total accountability:
The bottom line for you: If a manager makes a mistake, we’re already on it. You won’t have to reach out to complain—our internal systems are designed to catch and correct the error before it ever impacts your experience.
- Recorded Excellence: Every call and message is logged within our CRM.
- Daily Quality Control: Two dedicated controllers and our team leads perform daily communication audits.
- Weekly Strategy Sessions: We analyze customer feedback in detail to find areas for improvement.
- Morning Huddles: Every day starts with a team alignment briefing to stay sharp.
The bottom line for you: If a manager makes a mistake, we’re already on it. You won’t have to reach out to complain—our internal systems are designed to catch and correct the error before it ever impacts your experience.
The people behind the service: why character is our secret ingredient
Only 10% of candidates who apply to Carpathian Steaks make it past the 90-day mark.
The rest? They don't wash out because of a lack of technical knowledge—we can teach anyone the science of meat. They wash out because of their character.
The rest? They don't wash out because of a lack of technical knowledge—we can teach anyone the science of meat. They wash out because of their character.
Emily: ‘A high EQ is paramount. We simply cannot allow our personal іnsiders to project their own negative emotions or personal stress onto a client. Maintaining a supportive, professional tone at all times is a core part of the job.’
Their voice is our identity—and our most powerful asset.
What this means for you is simple: the person on the other end of the line has been hand-selected for their ability to maintain perfect composure, even in the most complex situations.
What this means for you is simple: the person on the other end of the line has been hand-selected for their ability to maintain perfect composure, even in the most complex situations.
- If you are sourcing meat for your child, you’re working with a trusted specialist who shares your priorities and understands the stakes.
- If you are a discerning connoisseur, you’ll never have to deal with ‘first-day-on-the-job’ amateurism. You’ll be matched with an expert who truly speaks your language.
Viber, telegram, or a phone call — available on your schedule
We don’t believe in generic support queues or automated chatbots. Instead, you are assigned a dedicated point of contact—a real person who knows your history and your preferences.
Your personal іnsider is available when you actually need them—including evenings and weekends. They are right there in your favorite messaging apps, like Viber or Telegram, making expert advice as easy to reach as a text from a friend.
Your personal іnsider is available when you actually need them—including evenings and weekends. They are right there in your favorite messaging apps, like Viber or Telegram, making expert advice as easy to reach as a text from a friend.
Emily: ‘Let’s be honest — our phones are within reach 24/7. No matter the day or what we’re doing, we’re always ready to jump in, help with an order, or handle any request on the fly. We're part of our clients' daily lives.’
Olivia: ‘The level of trust our clients place in us is incredible. They’ll just give us a quick call and say, 'I’ve got friends coming over tonight — just put together a steak selection for me.' They know we’ve got them covered.’
You don’t even have to talk about the price—they already understand your preferences and your budget. Whether surprise guests just dropped by, your child suddenly decided they’re a picky eater today, or you have a 9 PM urge to try a new recipe—your manager is just a message away.
‘I actually crunched the numbers on the price per pound, and it’s better value than my local butcher shop. Plus, my manager gives me a heads-up whenever there’s a deal on the lamb we buy for the kids. Over the last year, the savings from those promotions have more than paid for the cost of my Club membership.’
— Sarah, Mother of two and Club Member from Sheffield
Why one in four new clients comes via word-of-mouth
A staggering 25% of our new business is driven purely by personal recommendations. While the quality of our meat speaks for itself, our team leads estimate that at least half of these referrals are a direct result of the personal іnsider experience, rather than the product alone.
Olivia: ‘If you scrolled through my phone, you’d see over 200 contacts saved as 'Olivia - Private Butcher.' To these people, I’m not just a representative of a brand—I’m their personal connection to the world of premium meat.’
Emily: ‘I get calls where people say, “Emy, is this where I can order the steaks?”—literally word-for-word. We are on a first-name basis with our clients. They aren’t calling a business; they’re calling someone they trust.’
Why our clients share a phone number, not just a website
People don’t just recommend a brand; they recommend a person they trust. The entire referral engine of Carpathian Steaks relies on a perfect, unbroken chain of events:
It’s simple but fragile. If a single link in this chain breaks — if the advice is off, the delivery is late, or the steak isn’t right — the referral never happens. We know that we are only as good as our last recommendation, which is why we treat every link in that chain as a priority.
People don’t just recommend a brand; they recommend a person they trust. The entire referral engine of Carpathian Steaks relies on a perfect, unbroken chain of events:
- The Match: The manager curates a selection that perfectly aligns with the client’s needs.
- The Delivery: The client receives exactly what they expected — no surprises, just quality.
- The Success: The client nails the cook, thanks to their manager’s step-by-step guidance.
- The Endorsement: Total satisfaction leads to a personal recommendation.
It’s simple but fragile. If a single link in this chain breaks — if the advice is off, the delivery is late, or the steak isn’t right — the referral never happens. We know that we are only as good as our last recommendation, which is why we treat every link in that chain as a priority.
The bottomline: what this means for you
At Private Butcher, our Personal Insider Service isn’t a premium add-on or a hidden extra. It is simply our standard practice — the core of how we’ve done business since our very first order.
In practical terms, you get:
The Numbers Speak for Themselves:
Our commitment to this level of service has resonated — in 2024 alone, the company tripled in size.
Give yourself the luxury of never having to worry about your meat again —from the moment of purchase to the final, perfect bite. Experience the Private Butcher service for yourself today.
In practical terms, you get:
- Tailored Selection: A personal manager who curates your order based on your specific occasion in under 5 minutes.
- Real-Time Chef Support: Expert culinary guidance over the phone while you’re actually at the stove.
- Logistics Oversight: End-to-end monitoring of your delivery until it reaches your doorstep.
- Proactive Service: A dedicated partner who remembers your preferences and handles your next order without you having to repeat a single detail.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves:
- 50+ items sourced from 5+ elite local farms.
- 40+ hours of rigorous training for every consultant.
- Only a 10% acceptance rate for new hires to ensure top-tier character and skill.
- 80% of VIP clients now fully delegate their selection process to us.
- 25% of all new business comes directly from personal referrals.
Our commitment to this level of service has resonated — in 2024 alone, the company tripled in size.
Give yourself the luxury of never having to worry about your meat again —from the moment of purchase to the final, perfect bite. Experience the Private Butcher service for yourself today.
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