Jorge 'The Butcher' Thomas

Jorge hails from the Black Mountains where he grew up surrounded by hardy, native livestock. His passion for cookery was sparked by his upbringing, but developed and intensified alongside his respect for British breeds, and zeal for nose-to-tail eating.

In 2009 trained chef Jorge launched Swaledale in Haworth, and took his native-breed led whole-carcass butchery philosophy to high profile restaurateurs. Jorge is a passionate procurer and hanger of meat, and is keen to showcase the sublime taste and texture that comes from ageing, higher fat content, and an older carcass. Jorge proudly invests in native-breeds, as maintaining their market demand is crucial to their very survival.

Jorge studied Creative Writing at Leeds University, and is a former Welsh athletics champion. He lives with his wife, ceramicist Amy Thomas, and their three children – Fynn, Bea, and Matilda – on a remote grouse moor in West Yorkshire.

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Chicken breasts with fennel and butter beans in a harissa sauce cooked in a casserole dish

Chicken Breasts with Fennel, Butter Beans & Harissa

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This dish came about through a happy midweek accident. I had planned a Thai noodle salad, but missing herbs forced a change of direction. A quick rummage through the fridge revealed fennel, garlic, butter beans and a little homemade harissa, and the result was a wonderfully light yet satisfying chicken dish, full of warmth and spring flavour.

Tandoori Butterflied Leg of Hogget with Raita

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This bold, spice-led recipe makes the most of rare breed hogget, marinated in two stages with garlic, ginger, lemon, yoghurt and aromatic spices. Ideal for the BBQ or oven roasting, it delivers deep flavour and a tender texture. Serve with a cooling raita, naan, rice pilaf or spiced potatoes.

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