Placing an Order
How can I order from John Davidsons?
Ordering from us couldn’t be easier! You can place your order online right here on our website and choose whether you’d like it delivered straight to your home or workplace, or collected from one of our high street stores.
If there’s something you’re looking for that you can’t find online, or if you’d like some expert advice on the best cut for your recipe, our friendly team is always happy to help.
Simply call us on +44 (0)1467 621212 or email orders@johndavidsons.com — one of our experienced butchers will be delighted to discuss your needs and make sure you get exactly what you’re after.
How will my order arrive?
Your order will usually arrive in a solid frozen state, ensuring it reaches you in perfect condition. All our meat is vacuum packed and blast frozen at its peak eating quality, so you receive the very best product possible — tender, flavourful, and perfectly preserved.
We dispatch all orders using a 24-hour delivery service with our trusted courier (please note that some remote areas may take up to 48 hours). Each order is carefully packed in a fully insulated box, complete with dry ice packs to maintain the ideal temperature throughout its journey.
⚠️ Please Note: Dry ice is extremely cold and must be handled with care. Every box includes an important safety notice with clear instructions for the safe handling and disposal of any remaining dry ice.
When your order arrives, you may notice empty packets that previously contained dry ice — this is completely normal. It simply means the dry ice has fully evaporated (sublimated), doing its job perfectly. During this process, the dry ice (at -79°C) keeps your meat at temperatures well below standard freezer levels, ensuring it stays safely frozen until it reaches you.
When will my delivery arrive?
We aim for your order to be delivered on the date you specify, between the hours of 8am and 6pm. However, due to unforeseen circumstances out with our control when using an external courier service, we sometimes experience delayed deliveries by 24 hours. We always recommend allowing for this rare scenario when choosing your delivery date.
“Under normal conditions delays up to 48 hours will not affect the contents of your order and in most case well beyond this”
If you are not in, the driver will leave your order in a safe place if possible and will also put a card through your door to let you know he’s been. Should your order not arrive when you expect, or if you have any queries about your delivery, please contact our service team by email at orders@johndavidsons.com or call on +44(0)1467 621212 between 9.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, and we will help you with your query.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery Charges have changed in light of increased delivery, fuel, & packaging cost – we do however continue to absorb as much as we can. We are monitoring the situation daily and will make adjustments as and when we feel necessary.
Delivery is FREE on orders of £75.00 or more within areas that do not incur delivery surcharges.
(Note: Premium delivery charges apply from 18th – 31st December) see below*
Normal Mainland UK delivery costs
FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER £75 VALUE
ORDER VALUE UNDER £75 – £7.95 DELIVERY CHARGE
ORDER VALUE UNDER £35 – £10.95 DELIVERY CHARGE
*Surcharge rates will be added to addresses within the areas below. If your delivery is to a remote area which is not mentioned on the list, not covered or creates any unforeseen issues, we will contact you by telephone to discuss additional charges prior to any order being finalised and despatched.
- Highland and Islands inc Shetland & Orkney
- Northern Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Channel Islands
Seasonal Premium Delivery Charge*
From 18th to 31st December, a Seasonal Premium Delivery Charge will apply to help cover the additional costs of our guaranteed premium Christmas delivery service.
Delivery Information
For all deliveries — both local (using our own vehicles) and national (via courier services) — a £5.00 premium delivery charge will be applied to all orders. This charge is in addition to our standard delivery fees.
- Orders over the usual free delivery threshold of £75 will also incur the £5.00 premium delivery charge during this period.
- Orders under £75 will retain the standard delivery cost, with the additional £5.00 premium charge applied on top.
These temporary adjustments will take effect from 18th December to ensure we continue to provide a reliable, timely, and high-quality delivery service throughout the busy Christmas period.
Where do you deliver?
We deliver all over the UK, including Northern Ireland and Highlands & Islands although outlying areas often carry a surcharge. We do not deliver outside the UK including The Republic of Ireland at this time. Should you require assistance, please either call us on +44(0)1467 621212 or email orders@johndavidsons.com to discuss your requirements.
How Should I Store My Order?
Once your order arrives, it’s best to unpack it as soon as possible. Place any fresh items directly into your fridge and any frozen items straight into your freezer to keep everything in perfect condition – slight thawing is not as issue, just get the produce into the freezer as soon as possible.
All our products are clearly labelled with either a use by or best before date, so you’ll know exactly how long they can be safely stored. Unless otherwise stated on the packaging, any fresh items are suitable for home freezing if you’d like to save them for later. Please be aware that there may be (fresh use-by dates) and (frozen use-by dates) on some products – if you’re unsure then please give us a call to clarify.
To ensure your food stays at its best:
- Keep your fridge temperature between 0°C and 5°C for fresh items.
- Store frozen products at -18°C for optimal quality and food safety.
Following these simple steps will help keep your meat as fresh, flavourful, and safe as the day it was prepared.
How Do I Thaw My Produce Safely and Effectively?
Wondering about the best way to thaw your meat or poultry for perfect results? Proper thawing is key to maintaining flavour, tenderness, and food safety — and it’s much easier than you might think.
We always recommend thawing your items slowly in the fridge overnight. This ensures a gentle and even thaw, keeping your produce at a safe temperature throughout the process.
To do this, simply place the item you wish to thaw in a dish or tray and line it with kitchen roll or a clean cloth to catch any juices or moisture that may escape from the packaging as it defrosts. Most products will be ready to cook the next day.
If you’re short on time, smaller items such as burgers, sausages, or chicken breasts can sometimes be thawed more quickly — just make sure they stay cool and never sit at room temperature for long periods.
By thawing carefully, you’ll get the best texture, taste, and safety from your meat — just as your butcher intended.
How soon can I use the product on arrival?
On arrival the produce will be frozen. Although a few items may be suitable to cook from frozen, we recommend thawing thoroughly to ensure product cooks correctly and most importantly safely.
What if I’m not happy with my order?
We’re confident you’ll be delighted with our products. However, if for any reason your order doesn’t meet your expectations, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re always happy to help.
You can reach us by email at orders@johndavidsons.com or by phone on +44 (0)1467 621212 between 9:30am and 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Please note that our office is unmanned at weekends, but we’ll always do our best to assist you as soon as possible.
Looking for a Specific Cut or Recipe Idea?
If you have a particular recipe or cooking method in mind but can’t find — or aren’t sure — which cut you need, we’re here to help!
One of the great things about buying your beef from John Davidsons – a REAL butcher’s shop – is that you can have your meat prepared exactly how you want it. Whether it’s a special joint, a unique cut, or a specific thickness, all you have to do is ask.
Simply email us at orders@johndavidsons.com or call us on +44 (0)1467 621212, and one of our experienced butchers will be happy to recommend the best cut for your needs. We’ll then cut, pack, and ship it directly to your door – just the way you like it.