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Salm's Meats (Carindale): A Butcher Shop Bursting with Flavours

Salm’s Meats, nestled on Old Cleveland Road in Carindale, has evolved into a much-loved institution for meat lovers across Brisbane. With a consistent 4.0-star rating and a loyal customer base spanning distances like Wellington Point and Cleveland, this family-run butcher shop boasts a reputation built on quality, service, and a genuine passion for premium meats. But like any establishment, experiences can vary – and we’ve gathered a breadth of reviews to paint a complete picture of what Salm’s Meats has to offer.

The Rave Reviews: Freshness, Quality & That Award-Winning Ham!

The overwhelming sentiment surrounding Salm’s Meats is one of enthusiastic praise. Many customers highlight the exceptional freshness and quality of the meat. Comments like "Amazing food, so fresh and award-winning ham!" are commonplace, demonstrating a widespread appreciation for their products. A long-time customer shares a poignant story of their search for a decent butcher after relocating to Brisbane:

"Moved to Brisbane 5 years ago and struggled to find a really good butcher for a couple of years. The butcher from my home town could tell me all about where he sourced his meat from… Well then I found Michael Salm's at Carindale and have been going back ever since."

This emphasizes a feeling of reliability and expertise often missing in larger supermarket chains. Customers rave about the range, specifically praising the lamb ("fantastic") and sausages. The tender stretched roasting beef also receives high marks as well as the dedication to smoking their own hams in-house, a process requiring pre-orders as early as mid-November for Christmas demand. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what customers consistently love:

• Exceptional Freshness: This is arguably the most frequently mentioned attribute. Customers consistently refer to the meat as “fresh” and "good quality."
• Award-Winning Ham: The smoked ham is a significant draw, often considered the highlight of their offerings.
• Wide Range: From lamb and beef to sausages and roasts, Salm’s caters to diverse preferences.
• Competitive Pricing: Despite the premium quality, customers find the prices very reasonable, and note that Salm’s is not “overpriced like some city butchers.”
• Family-Run Atmosphere: The feeling of a friendly, family-run business shines through in many reviews, contributing to a positive shopping experience.
• Special Orders/Custom Cuts: Appreciated for their flexibility and willingness to cater to specific requests like boning a leg of lamb or slicing rump just the way a customer wants.

Addressing Concerns and Constructive Criticism

While overwhelmingly positive, the reviews also reveal a couple of areas where improvements could be made. Two distinct points of concern popped up, although addressed to different degrees.

Firstly, one customer experienced a disappointing experience with a packet of ham off the bone. They reported it turning within two days of purchase despite being properly refrigerated. This incident highlights an issue with freshness or handling that needs addressing to reassure potential customers. The customer's original review included:

"I purchased a packet of ham off the bone, on 19/1/24 it turned by the 22/1/24 I bought from their shop put in the fridge in the back of my car then when I got home I unsealed it and put in new take away container with kitchen paper back in my fridge. as I said it turned 2-3 days later. Not happy."

Secondly, a customer raised concerns about the quality of the brawn, describing it as “like eating raw bacon hock.” This was compounded by a somewhat frosty interaction with a staff member who lectured them about the unsuitability of cured meats for pets. The customer felt this approach demonstrated a lack of customer service and suggested a need for retraining or staff changes. Their commentary:

“Came in today 28/1/24 and told the mature woman behind the counter while I purchased their brawn, she gave me a lecture as I gave the ham off the bone to my dog about its not safe to give cured meats to dogs. … Your brawn was just like eating Raw bacon hock… you lost me as a customer im not coming back!”

These concerns, although representing minority experiences within the pool of reviews, are vital feedback for Salm’s Meats to consider. Clear labelling regarding suitability for animal consumption and consistently refreshing stock ensures customer satisfaction. A better understanding of customer service and conflict management is vital to retain customers.

Accessibility and Facilities: Beyond the Meat

Salm’s Meats goes beyond just providing quality meats; they offer a comfortable and accessible shopping environment. Their "About Facilities" section highlights several thoughtful inclusions. Here’s a summary:

• Service Options: Delivery and In-store shopping are available, catering to diverse needs and preferences.
• Accessibility: The shop offers both wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
• Amenities: The presence of a gender-neutral restroom adds to the consideration for all customers.
• Safe Space: The inclusion of LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace designations signifies a welcoming atmosphere and respect for diversity.
• Quick Visits: The shop boasts suitable planning, for 'Quick visit".
• Payment Options: A variety of payment options, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a convenient transaction.

This focus on accessibility and inclusion provides a significant differentiator in a competitive market.

Conclusion: A Blend of Tradition and Value

Salm’s Meats (Carindale) presents a compelling case for a traditional butcher shop thriving in the modern era. From the rave reviews praising the freshness, quality, and award-winning ham, to the dedication to accessibility and inclusive practices, it's clear that Salm’s has cultivated a loyal following. While issues regarding food safety, brawn quality and customer service should be addressed, the overall consensus points to a business committed to providing exceptional meat and a welcoming experience. If you’re seeking a break from supermarket meat and appreciate the expertise of a true butcher, Salm’s Meats in Carindale is definitely worth a visit – and maybe a pre-order for that Christmas ham! Their phone number is +61 7 3398 4268, and you can find them at 1282 Old Cleveland Road Cnr, 61 Scrub Rd, Carindale QLD 4152, Australia.