Eat Wild is proud to welcome Apley Smoked Pheasant to our growing list of premium wild meat stockists. This award-winning, artisan-smoked pheasant offers a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional meats like chicken, lamb, pork, or beef — and it's proudly produced right here in the UK.
We spoke with Lady Harriet Hamilton, the founder behind Apley Smoked Pheasant, to find out more about the story behind this exciting new product.
What Is Apley Smoked Pheasant?
Apley Smoked Pheasant is a British game meat that’s been dry-cured and hot-smoked over beechwood and sous-vide, creating a gently aromatic, moist, and tender product. Whether you're a chef looking for a unique protein source or a home cook wanting to try something new, this smoked pheasant is ready to eat, easy to use, and packed with protein and flavour.
Smoked pheasant is very versatile and it can be:
- Sliced finely into salads and starters
- Served on crackers with soft cheese
- Grilled very briefly with the skin on
- Blended with soft cheese into pâté
- Used like ham in sandwiches or picnics
- Added to omelettes, quiches and risottos
It’s low in fat, salt and sugar, and high in protein, making it a healthy and gourmet addition to your menu.
The Story Behind the Brand
Lady Harriet explains the idea came from a simple observation:
“So many pheasants are shot across Europe, but so few are eaten. I wanted to find a way to increase appreciation and stop this huge food waste. I believe this is the closest anyone has got to making pheasant widely available in a very delicious form!"
After experimenting with a home smokery, she brought her product to a prestigious London retailer — and the rest is history. Production is now handled by Tony Macneill of Macneill’s Smokehouse in Worcestershire, a renowned smokehouse that has supplied the Royal Family and won numerous awards for its artisan cured meats and fish.
Tested by Food Test Laboratories, it has a long shelf life and freezes well.
Tony’s expertise, paired with estate-reared British game, ensures Apley Smoked Pheasant is consistently delicious, sustainably sourced, and crafted to the highest standards.
When first launched, it immediately won two Great Taste stars in 2019 & a silver in the British Charcuterie Awards 2018. Plus, Raymond Blanc offered his approval!
Why Choose Smoked Pheasant?
Switching to alternative British meats like smoked pheasant supports:
- Wildlife and countryside management
- Sustainable, low-waste food production
- Reduced food miles and carbon footprint
- Biodiversity and local rural economies
- Long shelf life, freezes well and available all year round
As Lady Harriet puts it:
“If you shoot it, eat it. If you don’t shoot it, taste it. Then share your feedback.”
A New Way to Enjoy British Game
Most people eat the same four meats for most of their lives — chicken, beef, pork, and lamb. Apley Smoked Pheasant offers a flavourful, nutritious, and ethical alternative that fits into modern food culture while celebrating traditional countryside values.
Whether you're a professional chef, restaurant buyer, or food enthusiast, Apley Smoked Pheasant is a great way to explore British wild meat and bring game back to the table.
👉 Where to Buy:
Order your twin-pack online at Macneill’s Smokehouse or through Eat Wild stockists.
Key benefits of Apley Smoked Pheasant:
- ✅ British reared and artisan smoked
- ✅ High in protein, low in fat, sugar and salt
- ✅ Ready to eat
- ✅ Sustainably sourced and low-waste
- ✅ Great alternative to processed meats
- ✅ Additive free, wild, natural meat
