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A Mixed Grill of Experiences: What Customers Are Saying About The Butcher Club
The Butcher Club, located in Watergardens Town Centre, Taylors Lakes, tells a story of dramatic shifts – from beloved pizza nights to serious concerns about meat quality and customer service. Boasting convenient opening hours (8 AM - 8:30 PM on Fridays and Thursdays, and 8 AM – 4:30 PM the rest of the week) and accessibility features like wheelchair access and parking, the shop appears to tick many boxes. They also offer in-store pickup and accept credit cards - features flagged in their listed facilities. However, recent customer feedback paints a considerably more complex picture, revealing a rollercoaster of positive and negative experiences. This review dissects the recurring themes, both celebratory and concerning, surrounding The Butcher Club.
The Pizza Paradox & Aston Lucas Appreciation
For many, The Butcher Club's history is intrinsically linked with their pizza offerings. It’s clear a significant portion of their customer base built a fond habit around their "home cooked (square size) pizzas," reportedly frequently purchasing two or three a week for family pizza nights. However, a recent change to a round pizza, attributed to a new supplier, has been met with widespread disappointment. Customers consistently report a significant decline in quality, noting a marked difference in taste. While the pizza pivot seems to have alienated a core group of regulars, positive mentions persist regarding the Aston Lucas pre-prepped meals. These are widely praised for their high quality, suggesting a potential strength for The Butcher Club to capitalize on despite the pizza woes.
“We used to buy two or three pizzas a week for pizza night. Now they’ve changed suppliers… and you can taste the quality change. It’s a shame.”
Here's a breakdown of the pizza sentiment:
| Aspect | Customer Feeling |
|---|---|
| Old Square Pizzas | Highly valued, frequently purchased, considered a highlight |
| New Round Pizzas | Significant quality decrease, disappointment, driving customers away |
| Aston Lucas Meals | Appreciated for their quality - a potential area for growth |
Serious Concerns: Quality Control & Customer Service
Unfortunately, the recurring theme dominating recent reviews is a major concern about meat quality and exceptionally poor customer service. Multiple customers have reported serious issues, including:
- Rancid Vacuum-Sealed Meat: Several customers recount purchasing meat, specifically pork belly intended for Christmas lunch, which was found to be rancid and potentially harmful. One customer explicitly states they experienced food poisoning. This clearly points to a significant issue with storage and quality control in vacuum-sealed products.
- Price Discrepancies & Lack of Apology: One reviewer was overcharged for schnitzels and, upon pointing out the error, received no apology or discount, only a refund of the difference. This highlights a concerning lack of customer service and accountability.
- Poor Meat Quality: Complaints extend beyond the pork belly, with customers describing scotch fillet steaks as "grainy and tasted like dirt." Another purchase of lamb chops revealed fatty bones hidden beneath seemingly acceptable meat on top – a frustrating and wasteful experience.
- Price Inflation: Several customers have noticed significant price increases, notably on their previously popular dim sims, marking a shift toward what some perceive as a "rip-off."
These issues, compounded by the multiple instances of bad meat, have led several customers to declare they will no longer patronize The Butcher Club, opting instead for larger supermarket chains like Woolworths or Coles. The diner below really pointed that out.
“Trying to support local butchers but when they are like this rather go to woolies or coles.”
A Glimmer of Hope: Recent Positivity & Potential for Improvement
Despite the overwhelming negativity regarding quality and service, some recent reviews offer a glimmer of hope. Mention of "new owners" coincides with reports of improved service, including friendly, helpful staff, meat cut to customer specifications, and a positive overall experience. One review specifically praises the "succulent and delicious" meat and a "hassle-free service with a smile." This suggests a potential turning point for The Butcher Club, contingent on maintaining this improved service and, crucially, addressing the critical issues surrounding meat quality and storage practices. The shop's accessibility features, including wheelchair access and parking, are also consistently mentioned as positives. Ultimately, if the recent positive changes are maintained and the quality concerns are resolved, The Butcher Club could potentially regain the trust of the Taylors Lakes community and return to its former popularity. The phone number for inquiries or feedback is +61 3 8322 0255.