Pros 
Cons A Taste of Excellence: Quality Meats at Shoulder to Shank
Shoulder to Shank stands out in the heart of Neutral Bay, offering a quality butcher experience that resonates with both locals and visitors. With an impressive 4.6-star rating, it's not hard to see why this shop regularly earns praises for its products and service.
Freshness Guaranteed: Customers rave about the freshness of the meats, describing them as "as fresh as can be." Whether it's succulent grass-fed steaks or juicy sausages, the quality consistently impresses.
Expert Guidance: Neil, Minh, and their dedicated team are known for their exceptional customer service. Shoppers have highlighted their willingness to provide great advice on the best cuts and cooking methods, enhancing the overall meat-buying experience.
A True Butcher's Shop Feel: For many, Shoulder to Shank represents an old-school butcher vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere. The welcoming atmosphere is complemented by employees who genuinely care about customer satisfaction, making each visit enjoyable.
Quote: “Nothing like an old school friend butcher shop, we will be back!” – A satisfied customer.
Meet the Needs of Every Occasion
Shoulder to Shank excels not just in quality, but also in variety. The butcher shop caters to a wide range of needs, whether for a family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or a large gathering.
Bulk Orders Available: It's not uncommon for customers to order large quantities for events. One review details how the shop provided high-quality organic meat for a group of around 80 people, ensuring the event was a hit with melt-in-your-mouth lamb and steak.
Diverse Offerings: From organic options to specialty cuts, the range of products available means there's something for everyone. Popular items include:
- Grass-fed beef
- Organic sausages
- Free-range chicken
- Premium lamb cuts
Customer Spotlight: "We only get our meat from Shoulder to Shank. We will be engaging Neil and his team for many years to come."
A Community Favourite: The Heartfelt Testimonials
The feedback on Shoulder to Shank is overwhelmingly positive, with customers sharing heartfelt praise about their experiences.
Happy Customers, Happy Shop: Newcomers to the area find the butcher shop inviting. One visitor reported feeling "the happiest" they had all week after stepping inside.
Favourable Comparisons: Shoppers often highlight that the quality of meat at Shoulder to Shank far exceeds that of supermarkets and even some local butchers. One loyal customer declared it their “favourite butcher in the area.”
Component Awareness: There are customers who have requested ingredient transparency, particularly regarding sausages. Though some have expressed concerns regarding ingredient listings, the overall quality of staple products like chicken and beef remains a notable draw.
Feedback: "The butcher was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, providing excellent recommendations based on my preferences."
Room for Improvement: Addressing Hygiene Concerns
While the praises are plentiful, some criticisms deserve attention, particularly regarding hygiene practices in the shop.
Hygiene Issues: A recurring complaint revolves around staff handling meat without gloves. One long-time customer shared their concern about food safety, leading to calls for improved hygiene standards.
Management Response: Although management has acknowledged complaints and promised to enforce glove use, this has not yet led to visible improvements according to some customers.
Customer Concern: "Sorry but that’s super unhygienic. This leaves me feeling like if that’s what I can see, I shudder to think about their back of house practices."
In summary, Shoulder to Shank offers a rich butchery experience filled with quality meats and customer-centric service, punctuated by a need for attention to hygiene to uphold the high standards they’re known for.