In the quiet, culinary-rich village of Berkshire, Bray Cured is redefining the standard for British charcuterie. Founded by artisan charcutier Alex, who brings over 15 years of expert experience to every batch, the brand is a celebration of what happens when traditional methods meet modern British innovation. By sourcing exclusively from high-welfare, rare-breed animals—such as heritage pork and Longhorn beef—Bray Cured ensures that the foundation of every product is as ethical as it is flavourful. This commitment to provenance is what makes Bray Cured a standout name in the UK’s burgeoning slow-food movement.
The beauty of Bray Cured lies in its commitment to the “slow food” movement. Every item, from their award-winning salamis to their delicate whole-muscle cures, is handcrafted in small batches. This meticulous process involves selecting the finest cuts, hand-grinding spices, and allowing nature to take its course during the curing and drying stages. Because Bray Cured prioritises quality over mass production, their range is constantly evolving, offering seasonal delights that are “here for a good time, not a long time.” If you are looking for authentic, handcrafted British charcuterie, Bray Cured delivers a taste profile that is simply unmatched.
Exploring the Salami and Chorizo Categories
One of the most popular areas of the Bray Cured shop is their extensive range of salamis and chorizos. These are the workhorses of any good charcuterie board, providing a punch of flavour and a satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with British cheeses and ales.
• Wild Garlic Salami: A perennial best-seller, this salami infuses heritage breed pork with the subtle, earthy notes of woodland herbs. The Wild Garlic Salami from Bray Cured has earned its place as a staple for any serious food enthusiast.
• British Chorizo: Bray Cured has perfected the British version of this Spanish classic. Their Spiced Chorizo uses high-quality pimentón for that signature smoky heat, but the quality of the British pork shines through more clearly than in mass-imported varieties.
• Fennel Salami: For those who enjoy a classic profile, the Fennel Salami offers an aromatic aniseed note that cuts beautifully through the rich fat of the rare-breed pork.
• Hogget Chorizo: A unique category at Bray Cured, this introduces the deep, rich flavours of properly aged sheep meat, providing a sophisticated alternative for those looking to expand their palate beyond pork.
• Venison Salami: Lean, dark, and intensely flavoured, the Venison Salami is a testament to the brand’s ability to work with wild British game.
Whole Muscle Cures: The Art of Patience
While salami involves grinding and seasoning, the whole muscle cuts at Bray Cured are all about highlighting the integrity of a single cut of meat. These products are often cured for months, losing moisture and gaining an incredible intensity of flavour.
• Heritage Longhorn Beef Bresaola: This is a masterclass in subtlety. Cured with herbs and red wine, the Heritage Longhorn Beef Bresaola is lean, tender, and incredibly aromatic.
• Air-Dried Coppa: Taken from the collar of the pig, the Air-Dried Coppa features a beautiful marbling of fat that melts at room temperature, releasing a complex, salty-sweet profile.
• Cacao Spiced Venison Bresaola: Innovation is at the heart of Bray Cured, and this product proves it. The hint of cacao adds a velvety depth to the lean venison, creating a truly unique charcuterie experience.
• Air-Dried Pork Loin (Lomo): A leaner but no less flavourful option, the Air-Dried Pork Loin showcases the purity of the rare-breed pork used at the Bray Cured workshop.
• Guanciale: Essential for authentic Italian cooking, Bray Cured produces a high-quality cured pork cheek that will elevate any carbonara or amatriciana to restaurant standards.
Gift Boxes, Hampers, and Subscriptions
Bray Cured makes it easy to share the love of artisan meat through their thoughtfully curated hampers and gift boxes. Whether it is for a birthday, anniversary, or a simple “thank you,” their gift categories offer something for every budget.
• Charcuterie Tasting Box: The perfect entry point for newcomers, featuring a mix of sliced salamis and whole muscle cuts.
• Luxury British Charcuterie Hamper: For a larger celebration, this hamper combines Bray Cured meats with local chutneys, crackers, and artisan treats.
• The Big Charcuterie Him-per: A popular choice for gifting, combining robust meats with local Berkshire beers.
• Bray Cured Subscription: To ensure you never run out, the Bray Cured Subscription is a brilliant way to discover new products. Each month, subscribers receive a curated selection of “maker’s choice” items.
• Charcuterie Selecction Boxes: For the ultimate personalised gift, you can use the Charcuterie Selection Boxes feature on the site to pick and choose specific items like the Fennel Saucisson or Berkshire Salami.
Master the Craft: Courses and Experiences
Beyond the retail shop, Bray Cured is an educational hub for those who want to learn the “why” behind the flavour. Their workshop categories include hands-on training from expert charcutiers.
• Sausage Making Course: A fun, hands-on day where you learn the ratios of fat to lean meat and how to use natural casings.
• Chorizo & Salami Course: A more technical session for those looking to start their own curing projects at home.
• Venison Butchery & Charcuterie Course: Given their location, Bray Cured offers specialist courses on breaking down local venison with respect and skill.
• Duck Curing Course: Explore the delicate art of curing poultry in this specialised class.
• Nose to Tail Pork Butchery: A comprehensive look at how Bray Cured utilises every part of the animal to ensure zero waste and maximum flavour.
Why High Welfare and Rare Breeds Matter
When you browse the Bray Cured website, you will notice a focus on “High Welfare” and “Rare Breed” labels. This is because the life the animal led is the single most important factor in the final taste. Rare breeds like the Berkshire pig have a higher fat-to-meat ratio than industrial breeds. This fat is where the flavour compounds are stored. By supporting Bray Cured, you are encouraging the preservation of these traditional British breeds, ensuring that heritage farming remains viable in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Bray Cured meat ready to eat?
A: Yes, all products in the Salami, Chorizo, and Whole Muscle categories are fully cured and air-dried, meaning they are safe and ready to eat straight from the packet.
Q: How long does the charcuterie last?
A: Sliced packs from Bray Cured usually have a shelf life of several weeks if kept chilled. Whole pieces can last months if stored correctly in a cool, dry place.
Q: Where is Bray Cured based?
A: The brand is based in the culinary heartland of Bray, Berkshire, a village famous for its world-class food heritage.
Q: Do they offer wholesale for restaurants?
A: Yes, Bray Cured works with many top-tier chefs and delis across the UK who value high-quality, handcrafted British meat.
The Impact of the Local Environment
The village of Bray is synonymous with culinary excellence, being home to some of the world’s most famous restaurants. Bray Cured fits perfectly into this ecosystem. The microclimate of the area and the proximity to high-quality local produce allow Alex and his team to innovate constantly. Whether it’s collaborating with a local brewery for a beer-infused salami or using foraged herbs, Bray Cured is a product of its environment. This sense of place, or terroir, is what gives British charcuterie its unique identity.
Conclusion: Why You Should Choose Bray Cured
In an era of ultra-processed foods, Bray Cured offers a return to transparency and craftsmanship. Every slice of their Bresaola, every link of their Chorizo, and every pack of their Wild Garlic Salami represents hours of manual labour and years of expertise. By choosing Bray Cured, you are investing in a sustainable food future, supporting British farmers, and treating yourself to some of the finest flavours available in the UK today.
Visit the Bray Cured online shop today to browse their full range of products and categories, and bring a taste of award-winning Berkshire craftsmanship to your kitchen table.