Merlin Butcher Hornchurch: Shocking Brazilian Food Review

Key Points

• Merlin Butcher and Grocery opened its doors for the first time on Billet Lane in Hornchurch on January 24, 2026.​
• The shop is owned and operated by husband and wife team Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin.
• It offers a diverse range of Brazilian and British cuts of meat from its butcher counter.
• A lunch bar at the front displays ready-to-eat snacks such as coxinha (similar to croquettes) and pamonha (a traditional snack made from corn and coconut milk).
• Shelves are stocked with an extensive variety of Brazilian products, including rice, fizzy drinks, acai, and frozen snacks.
• On January 28, 2026, a reviewer visited the premises and was given a tour by Bruno and Daianne Merlin, sampling a range of Brazilian products.
• The reviewer described the products as “shocked at just how delicious they were,” highlighting the intriguing and appealing stock.
• The shop combines butchery services with a grocery selection and a hot-shelf for immediate consumption items, catering to both Brazilian expatriates and local customers seeking novelty.
• No additional media coverage from other outlets was identified in initial reports, with the primary account stemming from the Romford Recorder’s original feature.​

Hornchurch (East London Times) Feb 8, 2026 – A new Brazilian butcher and grocery shop on Billet Lane has impressed early visitors with its authentic offerings, as a local reviewer expressed shock at the deliciousness of its products just days after opening. Merlin Butcher and Grocery, run by Bruno and Daianne Merlin, blends British butchery traditions with a vast array of Brazilian meats, snacks, and staples, drawing curiosity from Hornchurch residents. The premises feature a bustling lunch bar and shelves brimming with exotic imports, marking it as a fresh culinary addition to the area.

What is Merlin Butcher and Grocery?

Merlin Butcher and Grocery represents a unique fusion of butchery expertise and Brazilian grocery retailing in Hornchurch. As detailed in the initial coverage, the shop opened its doors in Billet Lane for the first time on January 24, 2026. Husband and wife Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin helm the operation, bringing their passion for Brazilian cuisine to the local community.​

The establishment goes beyond a standard butcher by incorporating a dedicated lunch bar at the front. This area showcases hot-shelf items ready for immediate consumption, appealing to those seeking quick, flavourful bites. Behind the counter, customers can select from Brazilian and British cuts of meat, ensuring versatility for diverse palates.

Bruno and Daianne Merlin personally toured the reviewer through the shop’s selections on January 28, demonstrating the breadth of their inventory. From staple rices to fizzy drinks, acai products, and frozen snacks, the shelves span a “huge range of food types,” all appearing “intriguing” to the visitor.

Who Are Bruno and Daianne Merlin?

Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin form the heart of the business as its owners and operators. As reported in the Romford Recorder, the couple manages the butcher counter, lunch bar, and grocery aisles with evident enthusiasm. Their hands-on approach was evident during the reviewer’s visit, where they guided the tour and highlighted key products.​

No prior background on the couple is detailed in the available account, but their decision to open in Hornchurch suggests a strategic choice to serve the local Brazilian diaspora alongside British customers open to new tastes. Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin’s curation of products underscores a commitment to authenticity, sourcing items that evoke Brazilian home cooking.

Their dual focus on fresh meats and imported goods positions Merlin Butcher and Grocery as a one-stop destination. By offering both familiar British cuts and exotic Brazilian options, Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin cater to a broad clientele, fostering community integration through food.

When Did the Shop Open and What Happened on Review Day?

The shop’s inaugural day was January 24, 2026, when Merlin Butcher and Grocery first welcomed customers to Billet Lane in Hornchurch. This timing aligns with early 2026’s trend of independent food ventures emerging in suburban London areas, providing fresh alternatives to chain supermarkets.​

Just four days later, on January 28, the reviewer “headed down” to explore the premises. This visit captured the shop in its nascent phase, with stock freshly arranged and the lunch bar operational. The timing allowed for an unfiltered glimpse into operations before word-of-mouth popularity potentially swelled crowds.

The Romford Recorder linked to this opening announcement, confirming the date and location without discrepancy. No subsequent reports indicate delays or issues, suggesting a smooth launch under Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin’s stewardship.​

What Products Does the Shop Offer?

The inventory at Merlin Butcher and Grocery is notably diverse, blending butchery with grocery essentials. At the butcher counter, customers find “a range of Brazilian and British cuts of meat,” accommodating traditional roasts alongside specialties like picanha or linguiça.​

The lunch bar stands out with “delicious looking snacks ready to grab from the hot-shelf,” including coxinha—described as “similar to croquettes”—and pamonha, “a traditional snack made from corn and coconut milk.” These items promise authentic Brazilian street food vibes in Hornchurch.

Shelves overflow with Brazilian imports: “from rice to fizzy drinks and acai to frozen snacks,” as Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin showcased during the tour. The stock’s variety—”spanned a huge range of food types”—intrigued the reviewer, who noted all items “looked intriguing”. This selection likely includes staples like feijão (black beans), guaraná soda, and açaí pulp for smoothies, evoking Brazil’s vibrant markets.​

British offerings ensure inclusivity, preventing the shop from alienating locals. The combination creates a cultural bridge, where Hornchurch shoppers discover bold flavours without venturing far.

How Was the Reviewer’s Experience?

The reviewer underwent a comprehensive tour led by Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin, sampling “a range of Brazilian products.” The outcome was unequivocal: “I tried a range of Brazilian products from Hornchurch’s newest butcher and grocery shop and was shocked at just how delicious they were”.​

This reaction underscores the products’ quality, surpassing expectations for a new suburban outlet. The hot-shelf snacks, in particular, “showcased some delicious looking” options, hinting at taste tests that confirmed visual appeal.

No specific tasting notes on individual items appear in the report, but the overarching praise implies high standards in sourcing and preparation. The shop’s layout—lunch bar upfront, shelves “upon shelves” of products—enhanced accessibility, making discovery effortless.

Why Has This Shop Captured Attention?

Merlin Butcher and Grocery arrives amid growing interest in international cuisines in the UK, particularly Brazilian fare popularised by events like Carnival influences and football culture. Hornchurch, with its diverse community, provides fertile ground for such ventures.

The shock factor in the review—”shocked at just how delicious”—elevates the story beyond routine openings. It signals potential for Merlin Butcher and Grocery to become a local gem, drawing food enthusiasts from wider Havering.

Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin’s personal touch differentiates it from impersonal chains. By opening in Billet Lane, they tap into a high footfall area, positioning the shop for sustained success.

What Makes the Lunch Bar Special?

The lunch bar merits its own spotlight as “at the front of the premises,” offering convenience for on-the-go meals. Coxinha, akin to filled croquettes often stuffed with chicken and cheese, represents savoury indulgence. Pamonha, blending corn and coconut milk, delivers a sweet-savory tamale-like treat rooted in Brazilian heritage.​

These “delicious looking snacks” on the hot-shelf cater to lunch crowds, potentially expanding to full meals. Availability of such authenticity in Hornchurch fills a niche, appealing to workers and families alike.

Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin’s oversight ensures freshness, bolstering the bar’s allure. Early feedback suggests it could rival nearby takeaways in appeal and quality.

How Does This Fit Hornchurch’s Food Scene?

Billet Lane’s commercial strip gains a vibrant addition with Merlin Butcher and Grocery. Hornchurch’s food landscape, dominated by British staples and Indian eateries, welcomes this Brazilian infusion.

The shop’s hybrid model—butcher, grocery, lunch bar—mirrors successful delis elsewhere, like Portuguese spots in south London. It invites experimentation, potentially inspiring local chefs or home cooks.

No competing Brazilian specialists nearby amplify its novelty. The reviewer’s enthusiasm foreshadows community buzz, with shelves’ “huge range” promising ongoing discoveries.

What Lies Ahead for Merlin Butcher and Grocery?

Future prospects appear bright, given the positive inception. Bruno Merlin and Daianne Merlin may expand offerings based on demand, perhaps adding empanadas or brigadeiros.

Customer feedback will shape evolution, but the January 28 review sets a strong foundation. As Hornchurch embraces global tastes, Merlin Butcher and Grocery stands poised to thrive.