Pros 
Cons MD Meats: A Butcher Shop Divided – Fresh Finds or Foul Feasts?
MD Meats, located in Blacktown’s Patrick Street, presents a perplexing picture for potential customers. With a rating of just 2.4, and combined with the wide range of customer feedback, it's clear experiences here are far from consistent. This review delves into the conflicting reports surrounding MD Meats, separating the praise from the serious concerns raised by shoppers. The shop’s extended operating hours – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM most days, including weekends – should be appealing, and they offer accessibility for wheelchair users with both entrance and parking, alongside accepting credit card payments. The presence of the MD Kitchen adjacent to the butcher shop adds another layer to the business, an element that generates both positive and negative commentary.
The Red Flags: Freshness and Service Concerns
Several reviews paint a concerning picture regarding the quality of the meat sold at MD Meats. These are not isolated incidents, but rather recurring criticisms echoing similar experiences. Below is a breakdown of those points:
- Freshness Issues: The most alarming complaints centre on the meat's lack of freshness. Multiple customers report significant issues, including:
- Green Pork Ribs: One customer described finding pork ribs that had turned green and emitted a "overpowering stench" the day after purchase and assisted chopping by staff.
- Badly Spoiled Mince: Another buyer experienced a similar fate with chuck steak, which was minced and refrigerated. Upon opening the following day, it too had a pungent odour, forcing them to discard it. This second account detailing illness after consuming the steak, suggests a potential public health risk.
- General Lack of Freshness: Multiple reviewers directly state the meat is "not fresh at all," suggesting this is a broader issue and not an isolated case.
- Service Disconnect: While not universally reported, some customers highlighted shortcomings in staff knowledge:
- Rissoles Identification: One customer reported an employee being unfamiliar with what a "rissoles" was, needing to be fully described.
- Excessive Fat: Another purchase of meat, reportedly contained an excessive amount of fat and was deemed unpalatable.
These issues raise significant questions about the shop's handling and storage practices, impacting confidence in the overall quality and safety of the products on offer. Ignoring these concerns is a serious risk for any butcher shop.
A Glimmer of Hope: The MD Kitchen and Occasional Successes
Despite the negative critique surrounding the butcher shop’s meat quality, the MD Kitchen draws mostly positive comments. Situated somewhat discreetly within the fresh food market, it appears to be an underrated gem.
- Value for Money: Reviewers consistently praise the Kitchen's affordability, stating it’s cheaper than options in other areas of the food court.
- Tasty Food: The menu looks to be good value offering up some tasty meals in a convenient location.
- A Contrast to the Butcher Shop: The complimentary praise of the kitchen, juxtaposed with the criticism of the butcher shop, highlighting a possible disconnect in the management or quality control between the two venues. This warrants further investigation; are they independently run? Do they share kitchen staff or resources?
Interestingly, there are, albeit few, positive comments about the butcher shop itself:
- Fresh and Good Meat: A handful of customers have described the meat as "fresh and good" - which is a relief for anyone considering shopping at MD Meats. This suggests that, at times, the shop can deliver.
- Accessibility: The commitment to accessibility, with wheelchair access and parking, is a positive aspect for customers with mobility needs.
A Mixed Bag: Aesthetics and Long-Term Viability
Beyond the core issues of meat freshness and service, some reviews touch on the overall atmosphere and the shop's potential future.
| Aspect | Comment |
|---|---|
| Shop Appearance | "Not a very appealing shop." – This suggests a need for improvements in the shop's presentation and general cleanliness. |
| Kitchen Quality | "The food shop connected to the meat market feels like you are eating dumpster food." – This incredibly harsh claim regarding the MD Kitchen contrasts dramatically with the more positive feedback received, indicating consistency is a problem. |
| Longevity | "How long will this place last?" – This question reflects a prevalent concern about MD Meats' sustainability given the recurring negative reviews and low rating. |
The combination of a low rating, concerning reports about meat freshness, and some complaints about service suggest that MD Meats needs to take serious action to improve its operations. While the MD Kitchen offers a redeeming feature, the butcher shop itself faces an uphill battle to regain customer trust and ensure long-term viability. Phone: