As spring settles in and diners start looking for fresh, flavourful options, April is the perfect time to update your menu. At Burts Catering Butchers, we supply top-quality meats to restaurants, pubs, caterers and hospitality businesses across the UK, helping you serve food that’s seasonal, satisfying and expertly sourced. This time of year offers a brilliant opportunity to make the most of lighter dishes, classic roasts, and crowd-pleasing specials. Here’s our guide to the best meats for your April menu.

Spring Lamb

April and lamb go hand in hand. Whether it’s the centre of your Easter Sunday roast or featured in lighter weekday specials, spring lamb is tender, flavourful and widely popular. This meat is at its best right now, and it’s a great way to bring in that unmistakable taste of the season.

You might want to feature slow-roasted lamb leg paired with rosemary and seasonal root vegetables, or offer a lamb rump served pink with minted peas and baby potatoes. For something a little different, lamb koftas or marinated skewers can work beautifully on starter menus or in sharing platters. However you serve it, lamb adds a touch of elegance and springtime flair.

Pork

Another fantastic meat for April is pork. With the colder months behind us and barbecue season on the horizon, pork strikes a perfect balance between hearty and fresh. Pork belly is a rich option that works well in spring menus, especially when paired with apple-based sauces or crunchy slaws. Alternatively, a grilled pork loin with asparagus and jersey royals brings a lighter, more vibrant flavour profile.

Pork also suits event catering and casual dining. Pulled pork in soft buns or as part of a loaded fries dish always goes down well and adds great variety to your menu.

Chicken

Chicken remains one of the most versatile proteins in any kitchen, and it’s especially useful as customers look for lighter dishes in spring. Whether roasted, grilled, or marinated, chicken adapts to a wide range of cuisines and menu styles. It’s perfect for spring salads, wraps, or Mediterranean-inspired mains.

Dishes like grilled lemon and herb chicken breast served with a spring vegetable medley or chicken skewers with a yoghurt dip offer seasonal appeal. For pubs and bistros, a chicken supreme with wild garlic mash can elevate a familiar meat into something memorable.

Beef

Beef may not be as seasonal as lamb, but it continues to be a menu staple throughout the year. In April, a traditional roast beef dish still draws Sunday diners, while lighter options like a steak and salad plate or a classic steak sandwich appeal to the weekday crowd.

You could also feature a slow-braised beef dish, perfect for cooler spring evenings, or highlight your grill section with premium sirloins, rib-eyes or fillet steaks. At Burts, we offer a wide selection of beef cuts aged for flavour and tenderness, supplied to your precise specification.

Speciality Meats and Game

For chefs looking to offer something a little more adventurous this April, game meats and speciality options are worth exploring. Duck, guinea fowl, and venison can bring a distinctive flavour to your spring menu and offer diners a memorable experience.

Think pan-fried duck breast with rhubarb and greens, or roasted guinea fowl with a wild garlic stuffing. These dishes give your menu an edge and show creativity, particularly in fine dining or event catering settings. We can advise on availability and help source exactly what you need.

Working with Burts This Spring

At Burts Catering Butchers, we don’t just supply meat – we help you build a menu that works. With expert butchery, high-quality sourcing, and dependable delivery across the UK, we make sure your kitchen is always well-stocked with the right products at the right time.

We work with chefs and caterers to understand what they need, offering tailored cuts, portion control, and insights into what’s selling well this season. With spring menus now in full swing, we’re already helping customers get ready for Easter, spring events and the growing demand for alfresco-friendly meals.

If you’re planning a seasonal update or want to explore the best meats for your April menu, we’re ready to support you.

Planning Your April Menu and Need Quality Meat?

Looking for seasonal meats to elevate your spring menu? Place an order with us! From succulent lamb joints to versatile pork and free-range chicken, Burts Catering Butchers has you covered. We supply premium cuts tailored to your exact requirements, helping pubs, restaurants and caterers serve dishes that stand out this spring. Alternatively, if you’re looking to learn more about Burts Catering Butchers and how we work, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Give us a call on 01424 730417 or contact us here.