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Farnham's Butchery: A Reputation For Quality and Variety
Farnham's Butchery, located at 150 Nelson St, Wallsend NSW 2287, has established itself as a well-regarded butcher shop in the Newcastle area. With a consistent rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, it's clear many customers appreciate the quality of the meat Farnham’s offers. Regulars frequently praise the shop’s extensive range, particularly highlighting their sausages as "the best in Newcastle by far." They also receive accolades for their excellent quality hams, especially during the Christmas season – a testament to their traditional practices and commitment to providing top-tier options for special occasions. Beyond the standard cuts, customers rave about the pickled pork, describing it as a standout item.
The variety goes beyond standard offerings. Following the relocation of Hunter Valley Chicken and Game, many were eager to try Farnham's Chicken Kiev. While the chicken itself was deemed a "lovely piece," the garlic filling unfortunately fell short, with many describing it as "bitter, like raw garlic and onion combined" and lacking discernible butter. This highlights a potential inconsistency in their product range; while some offerings shine, others may require further refinement. It's worth noting the shop caters to quick visits and welcomes all customers, being designated LGBTQ+ friendly. They accept various payment methods including credit and debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Customer Service: A Point of Contention
While the meat quality often receives glowing praise, Farnham’s Butchery's customer service has drawn a more divided response. Several reviews suggest a need for improvement in this area. One customer recounts a frustrating experience regarding pricing, where the cashier insisted on the exact change, even for a matter of just three cents. This incident, combined with a similar experience from 16 years prior, left a lasting negative impression, with the customer stating they haven't returned since. This raises questions about the staff's handling of minor discrepancies and their flexibility in customer interactions.
A more concerning incident involved a customer attempting to ask a question over the phone. The employee abruptly cut off the customer mid-question and hung up, leaving them feeling "less valued" and "disappointed." This level of dismissiveness points to a potential lack of training or a systemic issue in how phone inquiries are handled. The passion for finding a local butcher shop that champions both excellent product and attentive service underscores the importance of addressing these concerns. Ultimately, many are actively seeking a butcher who prioritizes listening to and valuing their customers.
The Price vs. Value Debate
The claim that Farnham’s Butchery is "ridiculously expensive" features prominently in some feedback. While quality often commands a premium, several reviewers questioned the value for money. One customer expressed disappointment after paying $38 for two rump steaks that were "full of gristle and fat," leading to a decision not to return. This suggests potential variability in meat quality, even for premium cuts, and the need for stricter quality control measures. It highlights the ongoing challenge for all butchers – justifying price points by consistently delivering on both quality and value.
It appears the perceived value is subjective; others consider the high quality of the meat and sausages to warrant the price. However, the consistency of the price complaints warrants consideration for Farnham’s. Here’s a brief summary of pricing concerns as shared by customers:
| Item | Pricing Feedback |
|---|---|
| Rump Steaks (2) | $38 - Perceived as poor value, gristly and fatty |
| Chicken Kievs | $7 each - Filling quality concerns despite the price |
| General | “Ridiculously expensive” – Unevenly applied perception |
A Mixed Bag: Strengths and Suggestions
Despite some criticisms, Farnham's Butchery maintains a strong reputation and a loyal customer base. Here’s a summary of key takeaways:
Strengths:
- High-Quality Meat: Consistently praised for the overall quality and freshness of their meat.
- Excellent Sausages: A standout product, frequently described as the best in Newcastle.
- Traditional Quality: Especially recognized for excellent hams at Christmas.
- Appealing Presentation: Display cases are regularly described as looking "so good."
- Friendly Service: Many customers appreciate the "great old-fashion service with a smile."
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible parking lot available.
Suggestions for Improvement:
- Customer Service Training: Implement training programs to address issues of abruptness and ensure employees actively listen to and value customer inquiries, both in person and over the phone.
- Pricing Transparency & Quality Control: Regularly review pricing in relation to quality. Stricter quality control checks for premium cuts, like rump steaks, could prevent customers from feeling they overpaid for substandard meat.
- Refine Specialty Items: Re-evaluate the recipe for Chicken Kiev, paying particular attention to the garlic filling. Consider alternative flavour profiles or sourcing higher-quality ingredients.
- Cashier Protocol: Develop a clearer policy for handling minor price discrepancies to ensure a positive customer experience, even when changes are small.
Farnham's Butchery is clearly a butcher shop with a strong foundation. Addressing these areas of feedback could further elevate their reputation and solidify their position as a go-to destination for quality meat in Wallsend.