A popular butcher which has served South Ayrshire for decades is closing up shop tomorrow.
Laurence Hood Family Butcher, at Prestwick Cross, will pull down their shutter for the final time on Saturday, July 9 as owner Laurence Hood, 71, sets to retire while business partner John looks ahead to a new career.
The duo will hang up their aprons and say goodbye to loyal customers who have long enjoyed their steaks, sausages and famous pies.
The butcher shop has been a staple in the town for over 150 years, with Hood Butchers trading for 40 of those years.
Laurence said: “This shop has been here since 1871, which is 151 years old.
“I’m retiring and I’ve been in here 40 years.
“This is part of the history of Prestwick and it’s going to shut.
“It’s a butcher shop, it’s history and it’s gone — and it’s a bloody shame.
“When I started as a wee boy, learning my trade way back, there was 10 butcher shops in Prestwick."
Many will know Laurence from his 1971 It’s A Knockout appearance, where he became a TV star in the hit game show Jeux Sans Frontiers before an audience of 110 million across Europe.
He said: “I won both of my games.
“To go in a team you had to be very fit and athletic. There were thousands trying to get in.”
Loyal customers were sad to hear the news of the shop closure and took to Facebook to say their farewells.
Neil Ferguson said: “Happy Retirement Hoodie. Great Innings producing a quality that others should aspire to.
“Johnnie all the best with your new pathway. I’m sure it’ll be a success whatever you do.”
Lyndsay Watson commented: “End of an era and the end of your famous steak pies.
“We wish you a very happy and healthy retirement Laurence and best wishes to John.”
George Wright said: “Thank you for all the steak pies over the years. You will be very much missed.”
And Fe McWhirter added: “Prestwick won’t look the same without the shop, I don’t remember a time when it wasn’t there.”
Laurence thanked all his customers over the years and added: “I’m just Hoodie — I worked hard and didn’t waste my time.”
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