Viking Arms Director Sam Macarthur and Head of Sporting Sales Andy Norris were honoured to attend this year’s Eat Game Awards, held in the elegant surroundings of Soane Hall, Marylebone. It was an evening filled with celebration, recognition and reflection—acknowledging the remarkable individuals and businesses who champion game meat and uphold the traditions and ethics of countryside living.
Now in its ninth year, the Eat Game Awards have become a beacon for those who understand and advocate for the essential role of wildlife management, sustainable food practices, and conservation-focused hunting. The event not only showcased outstanding chefs, butchers, influencers, and retailers—it reinforced a growing national appetite for organic, free-range, traceable game meat.
A Champion of Champions: Rachel Green
The highlight of the night was the crowning of Rachel Green as Champion of Champions 2025, a well-deserved honour for a woman who has spent over four decades tirelessly promoting the benefits of game meat. Though she narrowly missed the Best Chef title, Rachel’s legacy of advocacy, from the kitchen to social media, and her dedication to educating the public about gamemeat’s health and sustainability credentials made her a standout winner.
“It means so much to me to win this award after 40 years of really, really hard work,” Rachel said.
“My father introduced me to the world of shooting, and most importantly, eating everything you shoot. That, and the countryside, has been my inspiration.”
Her words echo a sentiment felt strongly by the team at Viking Arms—that shooting and eating game isn’t just tradition, it’s stewardship. Ethical hunting practices underpin vital conservation work across the UK. They help balance fragile ecosystems, protect native species, and support rural economies, all while putting healthy, lean, organic meat on our plates.
Game Meat: A Sustainable Choice
As BASC’s executive director of conservation, Matt Ellis, rightly pointed out, the Eat Game Awards highlight a growing appreciation for game meat. “Each year, we see more entries, more new faces and a growing public interest in the incredible businesses and individuals championing gamemeat.”
From Ragley Estate, awarded Best Game Butcher, to The Bildeston Crown, crowned Best Restaurant/Pub, the winners and runners-up are proof that gamemeat is stepping confidently into the mainstream—bringing with it a message of sustainability, respect for nature, and exceptional flavour.
For Viking Arms, this event is a reflection of everything we stand for: responsible field sports, rural heritage, and a future where the British countryside thrives.
Why It Matters
Game meat isn’t just delicious—it’s also:
• High in protein, low in fat and free from added hormones or antibiotics.
• Sourced from animals that have lived naturally in the wild.
• A by-product of essential wildlife and land management, ensuring balanced ecosystems.
• An important economic driver for rural communities, supporting thousands of jobs.
In a time where conversations around sustainability and food transparency are more important than ever, game represents a truly viable solution—and it’s heartening to see the industry getting the recognition it deserves.
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 Eat Game Awards. Viking Arms is proud to support the ongoing efforts of those who hunt, cook, butcher, and promote game—not just for the plate, but for the good of the countryside.
