Pros 
Cons 's response:
A Tale of Two Experiences: The Good and the Great
The Butcher Club, located in Epping, Victoria, certainly sparks a range of opinions amongst its customers. Several reviewers highlight a significant positive, often centred around the quality of the meat itself. It's consistently praised for offering a noticeable step up from supermarket offerings like Safeway. Customers appreciate the sourcing of "good Aussie butcher" produce from Gippsland and Warrnambool – regions known for their quality livestock. This translates to what many describe as "excellent quality tender meat."
Specifically, some patrons have had exceptional experiences thanks to individual staff members. A recurring mention revolves around an employee named Adam, who is lauded for his helpfulness and detailed product knowledge. One customer was particularly impressed with his ability to recommend the ideal lamb cut for their specific culinary needs, noting that his service was “beyond beautiful” and ultimately “magnifico.” This personal touch and willingness to go the extra mile is clearly a highlight for those who've encountered Adam.
Here's a breakdown of the positives frequently reported:
- Quality of Meat: Consistently praised, especially compared to supermarket alternatives.
- Sourcing: Preference for Gippsland and Warrnambool produce.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Adam specifically receives repeated glowing references for his helpfulness and expertise.
- Pleasant Service: Several users have emphasized the generally pleasant and patient nature of the staff.
- Payment Options: The convenience of NFC mobile payments is also valued.
Concerning Concerns: Hygiene and Product Freshness
However, The Butcher Club faces serious criticisms concerning hygiene practices and the freshness of its products, which significantly overshadow some of the positive comments. The most alarming complaints relate to food safety, with multiple reviewers reporting instances of illness and concerns about handling practices.
"This place sells off chicken that makes people sick, bought some chicken fillets from there this afternoon and the cooked up smelling like a condemned poultry farm and was stringy, tasted horrible and not even 30 minutes later I’m uncontrollably vomiting and almost falling over from dizzy spells Worst food poisoning I’ve ever had, don’t shop here you’ll die!"
This is just one, particularly severe, example. Another customer mentioned discovering their chicken and steak were “off” upon arriving home. Several recent reviews directly link purchases from The Butcher Club to sickness.
Beyond the immediate health risks, hygiene is a significant point of contention. One customer observed staff handling various meat types without gloves, raising concerns about cross-contamination. A particularly unpleasant event involved a staff member handling a customer’s card after touching raw meat, resulting in the customer fearing the need to discard their purchased beef.
Here's a table summarising the key hygiene and freshness concerns:
| Issue | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Food Poisoning | Multiple reports of vomiting, dizziness, and severe illness following chicken purchases. | Extremely High |
| Off/Spoiled Meat | Customers reporting chicken and steak “off” upon arrival home. | High |
| Lack of Gloves | Staff observed handling various meat types without gloves, raising cross-contamination risk. | Medium |
| Contaminated Card Handling | Staff member handed customer’s card after touching raw chicken and beef. | High |
Beyond the Basics: Goat and Liver Experiences
Beyond the broader themes of quality and hygiene, some reviews highlight specific product issues. A recurring complaint concerns the goat meat offered. Customers have described it as “rough, chewy, and very hard to cook,” even when employing a pressure cooker. A request for younger goat meat wasn't met, leading to dissatisfaction.
The quality of the ox liver also appears to be a consistent problem. Multiple customers have reported purchasing what they consider to be "rubbish" ox liver, despite assurances from staff regarding its freshness. This suggests a potential issue with either the sourcing, storage, or handling of this particular product.
- Goat Meat: Customers desire younger goat meat, as the current stock is tough and difficult to cook.
- Ox Liver: Repeated complaints about the low quality and freshness of ox liver purchased.
Contact & Location Information
For those considering visiting The Butcher Club, here's the essential information:
- Name: The Butcher Club
- Phone: +61 431 811 640
- Address: Shop 70/571/583 High St, Epping VIC 3076, Australia
- Location: Epping, VIC
- Payment Options: Accepts NFC mobile payments.
- Halal Status: Non-Halal.
It’s clear that The Butcher Club represents a mixed bag. While the quality of meat and the service of certain staff members (particularly Adam) are highly valued, the significant concerns regarding hygiene and occasionally inconsistent product quality warrant careful consideration before making a purchase.