Cain’s Butchers is a family run business situated on Carr Lane in Wigan. It’s widely loved by locals and has rave reviews online for its friendliness, quality of food and fair prices.
As a teen I would often visit Cain’s Butchers on my school lunch break to grab a greasy - yet ever so tasty - bacon barm with my friends, so revisiting the spot seemed a satisfying trip down memory lane.
Not much had changed in the 10 years it had been since my last visit, from the layout to the staff, everything was exactly how I remembered it to be. I was instantly met with a warm smile from the butchers and a delicious aroma of food as I entered.
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The first thing to catch my attention was a fridge stacked full of Coca Cola in glass bottles, my eyes must have visibly lit up upon seeing them as the butcher behind the counter gleefully shouted, “They’re the best” - and he isn’t wrong. Naturally, I snatched at the opportunity to purchase one with my meal.
We were off to a good start and now it was time to decide what I was having for my lunch. I decided to grab something off the menu that had been printed onto the wall.
Unfortunately I found the menu to be quite vague, with little description of what was on offer. I was in the mood for something with chicken, but I had to ask the woman behind the till what I actually got with the ‘chicken meal’ as the menu only gave me options for how my chicken could be seasoned.
I was then told I could have my chicken with either salad or rice, so I decided to go for a rice box. To my disappointment the next customer was offered chicken in a baguette which I was completely unaware was a choice due to the vagueness of the menu. Regardless, I decided to stick with the rice box as my meal which cost me £4.60 - a reasonable price.
The rice and chicken, which I had asked to be ‘piri piri’ seasoned, was dished up quickly and placed in a plastic Tupperware box. Despite my initial disappointments, I was ready to tuck in.
Although it wasn’t as spicy as I was anticipating, the piri piri chicken was delicious and tender. Sadly however I couldn’t say the same for the rice as I was given an unimaginative pile of plain boiled rice that left a lot to be desired in terms of flavour. I also found myself still hungry after finishing off my meal which was quite unsatisfying.
I certainly felt rather let down by my old high school food spot, but I will however give them the benefit of the doubt as I think I chose the wrong option on the menu for my hungry appetite, and if I had gone for a baguette instead my experience would have been a whole lot more positive.
I also can’t complain about the warmth of the staff who run the spot, and how welcoming they made every customer feel who walked through the door. The prices aren’t overly expensive either, and knowing that you’re helping out a family run business, I’d much rather spend my money at Cain’s Butchers on a fresh meal than go to your usual chain fast food spots.
I will definitely be paying Cain's Butchers a second visit very soon to try out that baguette - and grab a glass of Coke whilst I’m at it.
