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A Queanbeyan Favourite: What Customers Are Saying About Four Bee Meats
Four Bee Meats, nestled at Unit 5/122 Crawford St in Queanbeyan, NSW, has garnered a stellar 4.9-star rating, and the buzz surrounding this butcher shop deli is well-deserved. It’s more than just a place to pick up premium cuts; it seems to be a genuine community hub – a spot for incredible small goods, a satisfying lunch, and a warm welcome. But what’s truly behind this glowing reputation? Let’s dive into the chorus of reviews and opinions people are sharing about Four Bee Meats.
The Meat & Small Goods: A True Italian Treasure Trove
The standout praise consistently revolves around the quality of the meat and, notably, the impressive selection of Italian small goods. Several customers have highlighted this aspect, describing Four Bee Meats as "a gold mine of quality Italian food." One delighted patron mentioned a "very large sausage" – perhaps a bit too large, judging by their subsequent mobility issues!
Here's a breakdown of what people are raving about:
- Premium Cuts: Across the board, customers appreciate the high quality of the butcher's meat selection. From general cuts to specific requests, the craftsmanship shines through.
- Small Goods Abundance: The dedicated freezer room packed with Italian sausages, salamis, and other classic meats is a major draw. It’s obviously a place to indulge in authentic Italian flavours.
- Meat Platters: Custom-made meat platter boxes are a popular choice, consistently praised for their generous portions and diverse selection of top-quality meats. The team is clearly dedicated to creating a visually appealing and tasty offering.
- Locally Made Delights: A key point of distinction for Four Bee Meats is their locally-made small goods. These are particularly highlighted as "beautifully crafted" and a true delight.
- Good Value: While quality isn't compromised, customers also note the meats are fairly priced, making it an accessible option for quality ingredients.
Coffee, Brunch & Beyond: A Surprisingly Diverse Experience
What truly elevates Four Bee Meats beyond a typical butcher shop is its surprising evolution into a café-style destination. Reviews indicate that it's become a spot for a quick coffee break, a toasted sandwich, or even a casual brunch while waiting for services located next door.
Here's a snapshot of the café experience:
- Coffee Service: Coffee is readily available, providing a handy option for waiting customers and those simply seeking a caffeine fix. While some find it a bit strong, the availability of alternatives like almond milk is appreciated.
- Toasted Sandwiches: These are consistently mentioned as a quality lunch option, showcasing a range of fillings.
- Other Goodies: Beyond meat and coffee, customers have discovered other charming finds, including "gorgeous relishes" and “lovely authentic pasta,” adding further to the shop's appeal as a local provisions store.
- Customer Service Integration: The coffee/brunch experience is inextricably linked to the exceptional customer service. Many reviewers state consistently friendly and helpful staff who further enhance the visit.
“A great, local, small business. The locally made small goods are to die for! Beautifully crafted and always delivered with a smile. The meat from the butcher's is always quality, great place to find a bargain! I like to get a coffee and a delightful toasted sandwich when I'm on lunch and never fail to find something worthwhile to take home, whether it be a gorgeous relish or some lovely authentic pasta.” - A typical customer review.
Room for Improvement: Addressing the Minor Drawbacks
While overwhelmingly positive, some reviews highlight areas where Four Bee Meats could refine its operations. It's important to note, these criticisms are predominantly minor and seem isolated incidents compared to the consistent praise.
- Service Speed: A few customers have noted that staff can sometimes be slow, particularly during less busy periods. One anecdote describes a frustrating 10-minute wait for a coffee, despite being the only customer present, and a subsequent decision to abandon a $70 meat purchase. This suggests a need to streamline the coffee service process perhaps pre-making blends during off-peak hours.
- Language Barrier: A single review mentioned encountering difficulty communicating with some staff members due to language barriers – a relatively minor concern, but one worth addressing through potentially offering additional language training or clear signage.
Contact Details & Opening Hours:
- Phone: +61 62971292
- Address: Unit 5/122 Crawford St, Queanbeyan NSW 2620, Australia
- Opening Hours:
- Monday: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Accessibility:
Four Bee Meats provides both wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking, making it accessible to all members of the community. Credit and debit cards are accepted, as are NFC mobile payments, although credit cards show as disabled from the information provided. They also welcome in-store shopping.