The title of Britain's most expensive Christmas turkey has been claimed by a premium butcher, with a single bird carrying an eye-watering price tag of £456.
The Premium Festive Centrepiece
London-based butchers Parson's Nose is offering what may be the country's costliest Christmas turkey - an organic bird weighing between 11-12kg that can serve up to 28 people. Despite the substantial price, the company reports that demand for their largest organic turkeys remains limited due to the sheer size required to feed such large gatherings.
The £456 price point makes this one of the most exclusive festive centrepieces available in the UK market this Christmas season. For comparison, Fortnum & Mason offers a six-bird roast at £350, while Harrods provides a full traditional Christmas dinner for six guests at £450.
What Makes This Turkey Special?
The premium cost reflects the strict organic standards and exceptional rearing conditions these birds experience. These turkeys roam freely for months before the festive season, adhering to rigorous dietary requirements to maintain their organic certification.
According to Parson's Nose, the outdoor lifestyle results in leaner meat with superior flavour compared to barn-reared alternatives. The butchers have partnered with the Walters family, who have been farming at Bower Farm for over a century, ensuring unparalleled quality and animal welfare standards.
The turkeys are slow-growing breeds fed on home-grown cereals completely free from growth promoters. Their days are spent exploring downland meadows and trees, while nights see them comfortably housed in warm, straw-bedded barns.
Value Proposition and Market Comparison
While the initial £456 price seems staggering, it represents value when considering the number of people it serves. Supermarket alternatives pale in comparison - Tesco's most expensive turkey costs approximately £36, while Asda's extra large 9kg basted frozen turkey serves 11-15 people at just £25.71.
You would need to purchase about 17 of Asda's turkeys to match the serving capacity of the Parson's Nose bird, though the supermarket options aren't organic.
Each premium turkey comes with its own cooking thermometer, ensuring perfect results every time. As the butchers promise, "you can never overcook it" with this included tool.
A spokesperson for Parson's Nose explained that the organic label requires birds to be reared under "very controlled" optimum conditions to produce the best meat and flavour. For those not requiring organic certification, the butchers offer a free-range alternative of the same size at a lower price point.
The spokesperson emphasised that these are "really healthy birds" that use significant energy from months spent running outdoors, resulting in exceptionally flavourful meat that justifies the premium positioning in the Christmas market.
