BUTCHERS throughout the UK are ‘meating’ with success after being urged to copy a sizzling prize-winning recipe devised by a Port Glasgow shop.

Customers all over the country are now getting their teeth into the delicious coffee crusted steaks which last year won Robert Alexander Butchers of Princes Street the UK Barbecue Championships.

Alexander’s owner, Drew McKenzie, said it is a real coup for his 10-strong staff that the Guild of Q Butchers is now promoting the steaks.

The Q Guild represents the highest quality butchers and meat retailers in the United Kingdom, and has 125 members from Inverness to Cornwall.

Mr McKenzie, who was recently elected to Inverclyde Council, said: “They are all regarded as leading experts in their field, specialising in quality, passion and craft skills.

“I’m particularly chuffed that the Guild have now thought fit to promote the streaks nationally by issuing members promotional posters and recipe instructions on how to produce them as part of a promotion for the barbecue season.”

Describing the product, he said: “Coffee crusted steaks is an American idea. It’s a coffee crusted barbecue steak — the finest piece of fillet steak marinaded in a rub of ground coffee, seasoned salt, sugars and spices.

“The outside of the steak caramelises quickly, and the flavours are immense and a total surprise.”

Robert Alexander Butchers is named after Mr McKenzie’s grandfather, and has won a number of awards down the years.

Mr McKenzie said: “Being a member of the Q Guild keeps the business on its toes.

“We have a certain brand identity, and the Q Guild accreditation means you are always trying to be the best you can be.”