It was a full circle moment when Gary’s Meats, the beloved Melbourne butcher, relocated to beautiful and larger premises within Prahran Market under the new name, G. McBean Family Butcher.
Spectacularly designed by Wendy Bergman of Bergman and Co (Studio Amaro, Chancery Lane, Orrong Hotel), the new shop is located in the same spot where founder Gary McBean first opened in the market in 1984. It was exciting synergy for the family-owned business, which has seen the craft of butchery passed down through five generations to Gary, who began as his father’s apprentice aged just nine, and now his daughter, Ash.
G.McBean Family Butcher certainly lifts the Melbourne butchery game. Textured dark green wall tiles, elegant brass trimmed marble and vibrant mustard accents combine for a space that is refined yet approachable. It beautifully encapsulates the sense of tradition and heritage that reflects the rich McBean family history.
The larger footprint has been put to great use with an expanded offering promises plenty of in-house delights. An impressive vast range of expertly dry-aged, smoked and cooked meats is extended with deli goods, wine, take home meals and a rotating selection of daily made sandwiches and rolls from the rotisserie (using bread from cult favourite Melbourne baker, Baker Bleu).
Evidence of a loyal customer base featuring some of Melbourne’s best restaurants including Attica, KDPO’s launch event was attended by hospo royalty such as Ben Shewry, Karen Martini, Sofia Levin, Shane Delia and Rosheen Kaul, with Alice Zaslavsky on MC duties.
Extensive coverage across key print and online publications included The Age Good Food, Herald Sun, Gourmet Traveller, Domain Review x Broadsheet, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, Time Out and Urban List.
Imagery by Sarah Pannell.
