When Gary Zietz hangs up his apron at his shop in South Norwood on May 10 it will bring to an end more than 150 years of butchery history.
There has been a butchers shop at 58 Portland Road since the 1860s with names occupying the premises over the years including Mabbutts, dating back to 1902, and Astell in the early 80s.
He has been trading there as G&M Butchers for more than 30 years but the 56-year-old, who was born and bred in Croydon, said it is now time to move on.
After having a few months off he will be moving down to Somerset to ply his trade on farmers markets.
Looking back at his time in Portland Road, Mr Zietz said he is sad to be the site’s last butcher.
He said: “I have been here for 30 years and I have had some good years here.
“We have had some good characters in the shop and all the local community came in.
“In the pubs people knew me as Gary the butcher.”
“In the deeds it goes back to those days and it is a shame I’m the one that’s got to change it.”
He had the premises on the market since last January and instructed his property agent to try and sell it to someone who wanted to keep it as a butcher.
But this has not been possible and instead he believes it is going to be turned into an office.
Mr Zietz added: “When I came here there were five English butchers in the street and I’m the last one standing.”
What will you miss most about G&M Butchers? Have your say below.
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