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Lindens Fresh: A Taylors Lakes Favourite – The Good, The Bad, and the Chewy
Lindens Fresh, a butcher shop located at Shop 140/399 Melton Hwy, Taylors Lakes VIC 3038, has garnered a solid 4.0-star rating. It's become a consistent presence for many locals, with some claiming to have been customers since its opening. The shop's appeal predominantly revolves around the affordability and quality of its meat offerings. However, customer experiences are far from uniformly positive, and a recurring theme emerges in the reviews—a disparity in service quality, specifically concerning one employee. Let’s break down what people are saying about Lindens Fresh.
The Meat Matters: Highlighting Strengths and Specials
The overwhelming majority of praise focuses on the meat itself. This butcher shop truly shines when it comes to value. Customers repeatedly mention remarkable specials and generally well-priced meat, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Here's a more detailed look at the frequently lauded aspects:
- Chicken Champion: Numerous reviewers sing the praises of Lindens Fresh's chicken. Specifically, the chicken fillets are consistently described as "cheap" and "fantastic", with the chicken shaslics receiving a particularly positive mention – at least some of them!
- Variety is the Spice: The shop boasts a "great range of selections," catering to diverse needs and preferences. While specific cuts aren’t always detailed, the feeling is one of ample choice.
- Raw Quality (Mostly): Across many reviews, the quality of the meat is considered to be high, reinforcing this butcher shop’s reputation for value.
- Beef… A Mixed Bag: While chicken receives near-universal acclaim, the beef offerings have drawn criticism. One customer specifically reported the beef shaslics being "awful and chewy." This suggests inconsistency – further underscoring the variability in experiences that Lindens Fresh provides.
A Quick Look at Pricing (Anecdotal):
| Meat Type | Common Feedback |
|---|---|
| Chicken Fillets | Very cheap, excellent value |
| Chicken Shaslics | Generally positive, but quality can vary. |
| Beef Shaslics | Reported as chewy and of lower quality. |
| Other Meats | Generally well-priced and good quality (specifics less frequent) |
Service: A Tale of Two Experiences?
The service aspect of Lindens Fresh is where the reviews become most polarised. A significant number of customers rave about the "friendly" and "fantastic" service they receive. These positive interactions clearly contribute to customer loyalty, with several mentioning their long-standing patronage. However, a concerning pattern emerges concerning one particular employee.
"The service is terrible because one particularly lady is always very rude."
This isn't an isolated incident. Repeated mentions highlight consistently rude interactions with this individual. The potential impact on the overall customer experience is undeniable. Added to this concern, some reviewers have raised worrying points about general food hygiene practices, specifically regarding how this employee handles raw meat. This is a serious matter and warrants further attention.
Payment Options Available:
Lindens Fresh offers a good range of payment options, ensuring convenience for shoppers:
- Cash
- Debit Cards
- NFC Mobile Payments
Accessibility and Final Thoughts: A Shop Worth Considering?
Lindens Fresh makes effort for accessibility, as they provide a wheelchair accessible entrance. This is always a welcome feature. Despite the consistent concerns regarding one employee’s behaviour and hygiene practices, many customers continue to shop at Lindens Fresh due to the great value and often outstanding meat, particularly the chicken. The shop is easily contactable on +61 3 8390 9018.
The issue of inconsistent service, and the allegations of potential hygiene issues, are something potential customers should be aware of. While the shop clearly has dedicated fans and delivers on value, prospective patrons should be prepared for the possibility of a less-than-positive encounter with a particular member of staff. Ultimately, Lindens Fresh presents a compelling proposition for those prioritizing price and chicken, but a cautious approach may be warranted. The mention of potentially targeting vulnerable, elderly customers also adds a layer of concern that demands further investigation and, hopefully, rectification by the business.