A family butchers founded in Cwmbran 80 years ago has been named the best in Wales. Douglas Willis Ltd, established in Old Cwmbran in 1945, was crowned Welsh Champion Butcher 2026 at the Countryside Alliance Awards, after serving the community for over eight decades.
The business began with young Douglas Willis, who started as a butchers boy during the Second World War before opening a shop selling provisions and game until he could obtain his own butchers licence. Douglas, one of 13 siblings, was well known in Cwmbran for his generosity, often providing food for everyone. His grandson Sean Willis, 57, recalled: "My great-grandfather's home was known as a place where everyone was welcome with plenty of food on the table. They just said 'come in, come on!'"
Douglas eventually obtained his butchers licence and opened shops in Llanyravon and Croesyceiliog, both in Cwmbran. His son David joined the business at 16, expanding with additional shops in Cwmbran Town Centre and a wholesale operation supplying the catering industry. David's sons Peter, 56, and Greg, 39, later joined—Peter after leaving school and Greg after agricultural college, helping the business expand into beef farming.
Sean, initially a chartered surveyor in London, was persuaded by his father to return home and join the business. He said Douglas always farmed, inheriting a passion for knowing where the meat came from, ensuring the best produce for customers—a bedrock of the business ethos. "For three generations we have remained committed to the principles on which the business was built – quality, provenance, exceptional service and support for Welsh agriculture," Sean said. "Winning the award has given us recognition for all of the work we put in every single day. It is a 24/7 operation and to see the appreciation for all our effort is a great feeling."
The three brothers each manage different areas: Sean handles catering, Peter retail and events, and Greg farms and machinery. Sean wakes at 4am daily to be at the factory by 4.30am, working until around 5pm. "All we want is our customers to be happy," he said. "My grandfather always said that it takes a lifetime to build a reputation, but a moment to lose it, and we live by that every day."
Douglas Willis passed away in 2019 at 93, but his legacy continues. Today, the company supplies renowned venues including Michelin restaurants the Walnut Tree and Home by James Sommerin, hotels such as The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny and the Celtic Manor in Newport, as well as Swansea City FC, Cardiff City FC, Dragons RFC, and many gyms and cafes across Wales. The business is certified for PGI Welsh Beef and Lamb, Red Tractor approved, and maintains BRC Food Safety Global Standard compliance.
The win secures a place at the UK Countryside Alliance Awards finals at the House of Lords on July 8, where Douglas Willis will compete against regional winners from England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Customers can visit their three locations in Cwmbran or order via their website.
