Pros 
Cons 's response:
Shane's Gourmet Cuts: A Mixed Bag of Experiences
Shane's Gourmet Cuts in Engadine is proving to be a local institution, garnering an impressive 4.4-star rating and a loyal customer base. Located conveniently at 1031 Old Princes Hwy, Engadine NSW 2233, the shop’s opening hours are consistent throughout the week, open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The accessibility features, with both wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, are a definite plus for many patrons. Paying is equally easy with support for both debit and credit cards, and contactless NFC payments. However, it's not all smooth sailing, as evidenced by the reviews.
The Highs: Quality Meats and Standout Products
Several reviewers consistently praise the quality and freshness of the meat offered at Shane's Gourmet Cuts. Many shoppers highlight specific items particularly worth seeking out:
- Lamb Chops (Marinated): These take the crown, consistently receiving rave reviews, especially the honey, mint, and rosemary marinated variety. One reviewer calls these "the last star" and clearly enough value to justify a visit.
- Marinated Beef Ribs: Frequently mentioned as a standout, they're clearly a popular choice for those looking for flavour.
- Cattleman's Cutlets: Another honourable mention showcasing the butcher's expertise in providing well-selected and prepared cuts.
- Oatley Pie Shop Pies: The availability of chilled, family-sized pies from Oatley Pie Shop adds a significant draw for many customers. One reviewer is so impressed, it automatically bumps their rating up to four stars!
- Overall Freshness & Quality: Repeated mentions of "best meat always fresh and great quality" solidify the shop’s reputation for sourcing and handling premium produce.
“The honey, mint & rosemary marinated lamb chops win that last star.” - Happy Customer
Navigating the Downsides: Consistency and Customer Service Concerns
While quality is generally praised, a recurring theme in the reviews concerns a perceived inconsistency in the meat on display and a less-than-ideal approach to resolving complaints. One customer details a frustrating experience regarding the lamb chops:
- Displayed vs. Hidden Stock: The customer noticed a discrepancy between the attractive, lean chops displayed and those pulled from underneath – which were reported to be significantly fattier.
- Lack of Accommodation: The customer's complaint was reportedly not properly addressed, leading to disappointment and a decision not to return. The advice to "check your meat before bagging" is a key takeaway.
- Fat Content: Explicit mention of lamb chops being "full of fat" raises a flag about quality control and the potential for misrepresentation. This is potentially important considering the displayed pieces appear to be high quality.
It’s important to note that customer experiences are subjective and this issue appears to be isolated. However, it highlights a crucial element for any butcher shop – consistent product quality and a willingness to address customer concerns effectively.
The Staff: A Shining Star with Mixed Perspectives
The comments regarding staff are perhaps the most emotionally varied. While there's widespread appreciation for the courteous service, particularly from one employee, there are also implied suggestions of inconsistency elsewhere.
- Riley's Excellence: The young man named Riley receives exceptionally positive mentions. Customers describe him as "excellent" and "really polite," expressing a specific desire to return and see him again. There are even heartfelt comments expressing affection for Riley’s service.
- Sausage Trolley - A Questionable Presentation: One review raises an eyebrow about the presentation of the sausage trolley, describing it as resembling "intestines." Whether this refers to the casing or preparation, it’s a slightly off-putting observation. This doesn’t necessarily reflect product quality, but could benefit from a more appetising display.
- Inconsistent Service: The complaint regarding the lamb chop situation hints at a potential inconsistency in how complaints are handled, calling for better staff training or empowerment to resolve issues effectively.
To reach Shane’s Gourmet Cuts directly, you can call them on +61 2 9548 0077.