Overview
In the beautiful chaos of Prahran Market, a familiar name is carving out a new chapter. G. McBean Family Butcher, formerly known as Gary's Meats, has not just expanded its space but also its legacy, reopening at the very spot where the founder originally set up shop back in 1984.
Gary McBean, the man behind the cleaver, is not just a butcher; he's a craftsman with a story that begins when he was just a nine-year-old kid watching and working with his father, Ken, also a butcher. Gary would go on to climb the ranks from a young apprentice to the owner of his dad's shop on Bridge Road, before planting his own flag at Prahran Market.
Fast forward to today, and he's flipping the script yet again, rebranding to G. McBean Family Butcher and passing the baton to his daughter, Ash, who seems to have inherited the family passion.
The new space, a brainchild of designer Wendy Bergman (Orrong Hotel, Chancery Lane, Studio Amaro), promises more than your standard butcher experience. Think dark green tiles, brass trims and marble floors.
As for the meat, it's the kind of fare you'd expect from five generations of butchers who supply some of the city's top dining spots, including Attica — there's just more space for them to do their thing now. It's not just meat, though. From dry-aged and smoked delights to in-house sandwiches that can compete with Melbourne's best cafes and delis, there's a lot going on.
Sustainability is also front of mind, with branded jars filled with take-home meals that can be returned for reuse, to a nose-to-tail approach ensuring as much of the animal is used as possible, giving customers a range of options including bone broths, stocks and lard. Kangaroo, wallaby, deer and crocodile are also available, if you're game.
And for those who fancy themselves with a cleaver, Gary's not just selling meat; he's sharing his craft. Regular masterclasses and steak nights are on the cards, where you can learn to break down a cow, pig or lamb, or pick your own steak cut and have it prepared for you to eat — cooked directly by the big man himself.
Find G. McBean Family Butcher at Prahran Market, Stall 501 Commercial Rd, South Yarra. It's open 7am–5pm Tuesday and Thursday–Saturday, and 10am–3pm Sunday. Learn more at the butcher's website.