A former resident of Teignmouth has returned to open a new independent butcher’s shop in Shaldon.

Ria Davey and husband Phil have taken over the former GT Orsman butcher’s shop, which closed earlier this year.

It’s now reopened as Veyseys, which already has a long-established business in Cullompton and a very good reputation in the area.

Phil and Ria say they’re looking forward to becoming part of the local community and providing customers with a wide selection of locally sourced meats, homemade sausages, burgers and deli favourites.

They’ve already had a warm welcome from customers in Shaldon who had been disappointed when the previous independent butcher closed down, and were delighted to hear that Veyseys would be stepping in to replace it.

Ria said: “We didn’t choose Shaldon, it chose us.

“I was born and raised in Teignmouth, I went to Teignmouth Community School and I know a lot of people here.

“I was at a social event and I heard that the butchers was closing. I made contact with the owner, met up with him… and the rest is history.”

Phil and Ria announced their plans to take over the shop on social media in May, with regular updates as progress was made towards opening day. They were already making weekly deliveries to Shaldon from the Cullompton shop, so many people were familiar with the business.

Ria described the opening day as ‘very, very, busy – rammed’, with a steady stream of customers who were greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne.

Shaldon residents, and the parish council, have welcomed the arrival of Veyseys, pleased to have a new independent retailer investing in their village high street and trading in local produce.