Tate’s Traditional Butchers in Peel has responded to a growing demand to produce gluten-free versions of customer favourites, including burgers, sausages and faggots.

Steve Tate, and his wife Lorraine, opened the shop in Michael Street in March 2018. Today, they are helped by their children Ryan and Millie, and keen young shop assistant, Amelia Varey.

Whatever special products customers ask for, Steve is happy to discuss their dietary needs and individual tastes to create artisan products which are free of gluten and other allergens but still full of flavour.

He’s even made gluten-free haggis, and is working on gluten-free haslet too.

For Steve, who is a Master Butcher with 40 years in the trade, it’s all part of fulfilling his passion for creating new products, and keeping customers happy and coming back for more.

Steve says: ‘If a customer comes in and asks for, let’s say, gluten-free pork and apple sausages, then I get a pound of apples, peel them, and make the mixture.

‘There’s no rusk used at all, I just add a gluten-free seasoning to give it a bit of extra flavour.

‘I really enjoy talking to customers, to find out what they want, and working with them to create what they need. I get to know what flavours and ingredients they like, and if it’s something that I haven’t made before I’ll look it up to find a recipe that will work.

‘I just enjoy creating new flavours – at the end of the day, if that extra effort just makes one customer happy, then I’m happy too.’

The risk of cross-contamination is a major concern for many consumers, especially those with severe allergies.

Steve is a stickler for high standards when it comes to food safety and hygiene. Wednesday, for example, is ‘sausage day’ and Steve starts at 5am.

If he’s making gluten-free products, that batch is made first to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination from other batches made later that do contain gluten. Extra attention is given to cleaning surfaces and utensils, and to the way the products are packed and stored.

Tate’s is proud supporter of Isle of Man Meats #makesureitsmanx campaign.

Kirree Kermode, procurement officer at Isle of Man Meats, said: ‘Tate’s is a brilliant example of how independent local retailers go the extra mile to meet changing consumer demands, and help to grow demand for Manx meat.’

In addition to drawing customers from across the island for their gluten-free products, Tate’s is also well known for making many other specialities including Steve’s own particular favourites, flavoured dry-cured ham and bacon.