Game Birds

Why buy game meat at The Village Butchers? 

At The Village Butchers, we offer premium game meat sourced from trusted British suppliers, ensuring the freshest and highest quality game birds available. Whether you’re looking for tender duck meat, delicate quail meat, or other traditional British game birds, our selection caters to every taste and occasion. Our expert butchers prepare every game bird with care, ensuring tasty flavour and texture to elevate your cooking. If you’re looking for recipe inspiration, why not try our hoisin barbary duck breast recipe or for something with a bold twist, try our five-spice duck pancakes recipe. Buying from The Village Butchers guarantees quality and authenticity in every bite.

Buy game birds online 

For your favourite game meats, shop online at The Village Butchers. A simple and convenient way for a wide selection of fresh British game meat to be delivered right to your door. Whether you’re cooking a classic duck meat recipe or experimenting with delicate quail bird meat, our online store makes it easy to enjoy premium game at home. Experience the rich flavours of British game meat without leaving your kitchen. 

Game meat – FAQs: 

What is game meat? 

Game meat is the meat that comes from wild animals and birds that are either hunted or specially farmed for food. Common types of this meat include duck, quail, pheasant, partridge, and venison. Known for its rich, distinctive flavour and leaner profile compared to traditional farmed meats. It makes a great choice for those seeking a more natural and flavoursome alternative. 

How to cook game birds? 

There are various ways to cook game meat, your decision depends on the type and your preference. Typically, they’re best roasted or pan-seared to retain moisture and enhance natural flavours. For example, quail cooks quickly and benefits from a hot oven roast, while duck breasts can be pan-fried skin-side down until crisp, then finished in the oven. Always rest the meat before serving to ensure tenderness and juiciness.

How to prepare game birds? 

Before you cook, ensure game birds are thoroughly defrosted and patted dry to help achieve crisp skin when cooking. You can season simply with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary, or marinate them to enhance their natural flavours. For whole birds, consider stuffing the cavity with garlic, citrus, or fresh herbs to infuse extra flavour during cooking.

How should I store and serve them? 

As all game meat is delivered frozen-fresh to ensure maximum quality and flavour. Once your game bird arrives, you can keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to use. When you thaw it, store in the fridge and cook as soon as possible to maintain freshness and food safety. Once cooked, it’s important to ensure the meat rests for a few minutes before carving or serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the bird. This helps to maintain the meat moist, tender, and full of flavour.

What should I serve with game birds? 

Game meat pair well with rich, earthy, and seasonal sides. Here are some ideas to take inspiration from: 

• Quail: Wild rice, buttery mash, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh rocket salad. A light fruity sauce works well too. 
• Pheasant: Braised red cabbage, creamy potato gratin, roasted squash, and a fruity sauce like apple or plum. 
• Duck (Barbary or mallard): Sautéed greens like kale or spinach, fondant potatoes, honey roasted carrots, and a sharp sauce such as hoisin, cherry, or orange. 
• Partridge: Lentils cooked with pancetta, roasted apples, and buttered savoy cabbage. 

Choose sides with robust flavours and slight acidity or sweetness to balance the savoury richness of game meat. Lighter red wines like Pinot Noir or richer options like Shiraz pair beautifully. 

Do you offer delivery for game birds? 

Yes, we provide delivery across the UK, making it easy to enjoy high-quality game birds and game meat from the comfort of your home. Orders over £85 qualify for free delivery, so you can stock up on your favourite game products along with other essentials. All game meats are carefully packed to maintain freshness and quality during transit, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition, ready for you to cook and enjoy.