Sausage door handles
“Like Louis Vuitton meets a Butchers” I told my friends who all asked what the interior of the new Victor Churchill butcher was like. Sadly I had to miss the opening party for the butcher but things have a way of working out and as luck would have it I met the owner Anthony Puharich at a party and it turns out his sister Anita is a long time reader of NQN (Hi Anita!). The next day Anthony sent me an email asking me if he could give me a tour around of the new shop and show me all of the little details. An offer like that cannot be refused.
Vic and Danny prepare a customer’s order
The outside of the shop is interesting. There are Wellington boots, a glistening terrine, a cut of meat and a field of lavender and this crypticness is deliberate in order to intrigue customers. When I step closer I glimpse the sausage link door handles. Oh yes this is the Willy Wonka of Butchers and in true Willy Wonka form, there’s one that I think is the absolute coolest thing in the world, but more on that later… 
Cameras to amuse kids (and adults)
This week’s product: Argan Oil, said to be the rarest oil from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco
To the left there’s a camera display which you can call “the babysitter” where children love to spend plenty of time making faces at the camera and staring at the latest glass dome topped curiosity that changes weekly (this week it’s Argan oil). Also on the left there’s the bespoke butcher’s room where Victor (or Vic as he is known) along with other long time butchers prepare your meat to order.
The meat fridge
On the right the first display is of the meats available. You simply tell the staff which ones you want and they’ll wrap it up for you and if you need it cut a particular way, it will go to Vic himself or Danny who says smiling “There aren’t that many of us butchers left”. In the meat fridge, there’s all sorts of grass and grain fed meat, corn fed squab (the hardest product to source in the store) and the things that get me excited like marrow bones and rabbit (a steal at $23.99 a kilo). Prices for the meats are surprisingly on par with or in many cases less than other butchers because of the sheer volume of meat they supply and the fact that they are wholesalers. The name Victor Churchill is an amalgamation of Victor Puharich from Vic’s Meats and Victor Churchill who owned the butchers at that location (since 1876).
Victor Churchill is part of Vic’s Meats who are Australia largest wholesaler of meat. Vic tells me that at their Mascot location they hold 500 tonnes of meat at any day with 20-30 tonnes sold a day. They’re the supplier to 85% of the restaurant trade and they supply 90% of the hatted restaurants with meat. This past Winter they sold 1.5 tonnes of beef cheeks and 1.5 tonnes of Lamb shanks a week and now that summer is coming, items such as cutlets, steaks and lighter fare will become popular.
Victor Puharich
I ask Vic what he eats every day and he tells me that come Summer his favourite cut is the Scotch Fillet and there’s not a day that goes by without him eating meat although he does confess he has a love of seafood too.
The Charcuterie
Sausages, terrines and pates
Salads
YAY Duck Fat!
Further along the right hand side is the charcuterie and ready home meal fridge. There is a dedicated charcuterie chef on board at all times and you can also buy the items and ask them to cook it for you. As well as salads, soups etc, there are also desserts. I watch as they prepare large branches of deep purple rhubarb for the pannacotta.
Desserts
Soups and chicken stock made on the premises
The Cured Meats fridge
Lardo-Italian Style cured pork back fat
The next fridge along houses the cured meats and the one that intrigues me is the Lardo which is pure pork fat from the back of the pig cured in a cave and seasoned with herbs and the way to eat this is very thinly sliced on toast. And I’m sure that whilst it’s not terribly good for you too, you only live once right?
Berkel machine painstakingly restored-on the right is the illuminated Himalayan Salt Brick Wall
There is also the Berkel traditional flywheel meat slicer that took 18 months to restore to its full glory at a cost of $150,000 as the parts had to make sourced from all over Italy (if you want one of these, you’ll have to join a waiting list). It holds pride of pride in the centre of the store but there are also two smaller versions used to slice meat “Other ones are electric and give off heat which is not good for the meat” Anthony explains. He then shows me a refrigerated mincer, the only one in Australia to again ensure that the the meat doesn’t have any heat applied to it.
Rotisserie with a wall of hides on the right
Next to the cured meats is the giant rotisserie where chickens and ducks are roasted fresh and I admire the brass chains “It’s imported from France” Anthony says. He then shows me the Salt wall. It’s a wall of Himalayan Salt Bricks, lit from behind. The idea behind this is to impart salt into the air and to reduce humidity. I enter the room and open my mouth and there’s a definite salt in the air with the meat hanging and rotating around in a circular fashion. He shows me the next wall which is the wall of different hides and fur finishes styled into a layered brick pattern.
During the time I’m there crowds come and go and for a weekday afternoon it’s quite crowded. Helen Greenwood from the SMH stops by unannounced and asks Anthony questions whilst taking notes. “There have been a lot of people just dropping in. I think they want to check up on whether dad and I are actually here or not” Anthony says smiling.
As I needed to cook something very, very quick that night for dinner (read: 15 minutes or under), I chose some wagyu burger patties ($3 each) and some veal schnitzel. The patties were beautifully juicy and delicious and the schnitzel was unbelievably tender with not a smidgen of toughness.
Anthony Puharich (left) and father Victor Puharich (right)
And my favourite little touch? I’ve saved that for last. It’s the secret aromaway where they pipe the smell from the rotisserie to the street outside (try and guess where it is). See, it really is like Willy Wonka for meat!
So tell me, what kind of Wonka land would you design? A Meat themed one? Or a French Pastry one with pastries and macaron rides?
Victor Churchill
132 Queen Street, Woolahra, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 9328 0402
9 am to 7 pm weekdays, 9 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and 9 am to 3 pm on Sundays
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60 Comments | Add your own
That is so impressive. I am so glad I live so close because I will definitely be stopping by. Woollahra is becoming the mecca for all this delicious and cool.
Off to find the pipe. That’s s smart move too. x
What an impressive shop! If only we had something as wonderful in my neck of the woods. Usually I’m all about baked goods, but after seeing that shop, I may have to change my mind!
I think you know my answer to your question. Pastries and macarons, bien sur! But my partner would go crazy for this place. He’s the cook in the family!
A beautiful set up. Another place to visit when I next head up to Syd. ANd I bet the aroma outside the shop is to die for as well.
Wow. I so want to visit now. Mission accomplished
Wow this looks like such an interesting butcher! I like the look of those desserts too.
I’d love to visit next time I’m in the area, cuz I’ve got a golden ticket I’ve got a golden twinkle in my eeeeeye!
Wow, that is the sexiest butcher I’ve ever seen. I love the sausage door handles, I want them!! The produce looks fantastic, there seems to be so much pride and love gone into everything on display.
Wow Wow Wow- thats what I kept on exclaiming as I scrolled through the pics of all the meat and pate’s and cured meats. I am writing down the details for this shop right now!!!
Wow – who would have thought that a butcher shop could be such a magical experience!
I agree with Steph, SEXY! I think I could even drag the vegetarian Husband to a place like this. The dessert cabinet is gorgeous!
OMG! I’m speechless…I’ll definitely have to check this place out. Thanks for sharing Lorraine.
Simply amaaazing!! What a fantastic place and we would not know of it’s existence if not for you Lorraine
I’m intrigued by places that stock inaccessible items like lardo or Duck fat, wish they were closer but then again maybe not a good idea haha.
My dream Willy Wonka land would be made of delicious, decadent pastries from all over the world……….Bliss.
I love the door handle – and the cameras – great ideas!
Ah – they’re open! I’m a big fan of Vic’s meats’ Botany outlet. The star of many Australia day barbeques. I will have to make to trip over to check out the awesome looking store!
Wow. What a super fancy butcher! Everything looks really sleek and modern! And the prices seem so reasonable! Thanks for the review, I’m intrigued now…
This place looks fantastic!! All that fresh meat…so much to choose from!! It’s a shame Woollahra is a bit far for me to travel…if I’m ever in the area though, I’ll definitely have to stop in!!
Thanks for sharing!
This is the coolest butcher ever! Gone is the ‘tri coloured ribbon’ fly screens and neon lights reflective meats…. Loving this ‘LV’ of butchers…. Amazing! Great find Lorraine and them Wagyu beef patties looks delicious! x
Mmm…those rillettes look divine! Will definitely have to start walking through Woollahra now on my way home
Lovely post. I really enjoyed it. You can really tell how passionate they are. We need more of those little shops in Northern California
WOw!WOw! WOW! I don’t even really eat all that much meat but I am so excited by this funky butcher…I’m definitely going to stop by if I’m in the area, just for a peek.
Macaron rides? You’re hilarious Lorraine! (in a good way)
This all looks so French! Am off to Paris this weekend so this has really whetted my appetite.
Wowowow!! That’s a far cry from the stripey apron and sawdust on the floor type outfit I’m accustomed to – superb! So, where is the pipe?! xx
I too am speechless, though luckily am still able to type. My jaw dropped more and more as I scrolled down, this place is truly a meaty delight! Good lord! It’s beautiful!
My Wonka land would be a fruity affair. Probably best not to wear white inside lest the rhubarb slides and mulberry cushions leave marks on your clothes!
oh wow wow wow. I REALLY need to visit that place!!!
I have tried to phone but cannot get through to Victor Churchill Butchers – the phone number listed is not connecting and appears to go through to a fax call – could someone please call me back 0438 938692 thanks Deborah.
Gosh, what an incredible place. Must check it out on my next trip to Woollahra. I’ll be the one outside, salivating over the rotisserie smells…
I love my butcher, but this one is amazing!! Your blog just reminds me how much Brisbane is behind Syd/Melb.
OMG! This is definetely not your average butcher. Must have been a big shop for it to hold that much!
Waw!! What a wonderful place this is!!
Great pictures too!
I just gave you an award!! Please come over @ my blog @ my latest post to check it out!! Congrats!
OMGGG This place is like my dreammm!!!! I’m a bit scared that if I go in, I won’t be able to leave! nomnomnomn
I love those traditional modern stores. great post…
Wow this is what you call a butcher! Loving the big meat fridge and the fact that it’s not thaaat expensive
Louis Vuitton meets a butchery indeed! Everything looks so amazing! Now to let my nose lead the way to that secret pipe…
I would have to say that while we have a very good butcher in Wagga, it really doesn’t compare. I have to get myself a themed door handle…. Predictably I would go for a French pastry style Wonka land but there must be savoury foods.
Looks like an amazing place. The salt wall is an amazing idea!
It looks more like a museum than a butcher. Look at all the different cured meats. I could probably spend hours in there.
What an amazing butcher…you wouldn’t find anything like this in Brisbane!! Love the salt brick wall.
what a fabulous looking place, everything looks so yummy and so does that perfectly fried egg on your burger! My fantasy land would have to be cheese all kinds and the best bread and biscuits to go with it, and probably a nice drop of red to offset the fat too!
oh wow. i’ve got to visit this place. looks amazing!
This place is cool! I like the picture with cctvs aiming at the oil…haha
I never knew a meat shop could be so gorgeous! Your description of Louis Vuitton meets a butchery is literally the perfect description. Oooh, I think I could live in a French pastry-themed Willy Wonka factory!
should have put the picture of lavender field
hehe.. its great that you got the chance to see this awesome shop.. i wish i havw a chance to spend some time there.. btw m craving for that yummy burger 
hehe
cheers!!
Do you know what nationality they are? Interesting butcher. Selling a bit of this and a bit of that.
Lovely & informative interview. I cannot wait to try this place out someday soon I hope!
Argan oil is fantastic, I use one for my hair and love it!! Have yet to find one for cooking.
jesus. i think i just died and went to heaven. all that in a meat dtore..who woulda thunk it?
wow.. just like all the above said. that is amazing, I don’t think even LV can be compared to this. How detailed is everything. Must visit soon. Thanks Lorraine
Wow, that place is VERY impressive.
Wow a lot of $$$ went into the set up of that place. I can’t actually tell whether you’re taking the mickey out of them though! Your review is naturally overwhelmingly positive but the LV analogy is what puzzles me. Using LV as analogous to anything is unfortunate since LV is associated with decent quality but overpriced products because you pay (as for many luxury products) more for the actual branding than you do for the product in and of itself. I mean let’s not kid ourselves, this butcher is charging more because they have to somehow pay for the overheads in a place like that and to recuperate the $$$ that was spent on the interiors. The products will speak for themselves in the end but personally I’d rather they spend less on frippery like bespoke door handles and keep the prices competitive. They won’t survive otherwise. So was your “LV” reference actually meant as a compliment?
Wow! Meat porn, I want it all.
I happened upon this shop between visiting Donna Hay’s general store and lunching at bills. I was absolutely blown away by the whole set up, tooks heaps of pics to show the unbelieving (aka family and friends). It is so amazing- the meat looks divine – wagyu 9+ beef, dry ageing cuts of meat, mmm fond memories of Rockpool at Crown… the staff are really friendly and I love the butcher cutting up the meat in the glass showcase. The prices seemed on the high side but were in keeping with the glamourous surrounds and bluechip suburb.
Hi NQN, Teena went in a couple of weeks ago and loved it! I heard someone refer to it as similar to the Harrod’s food court (in terms of glamour, not size) but I disagree, I think this is much classier
Hi fat mum slim-It is isn’t it! So much there
Haha cool! Tell me where you think it comes out (hint it doesn’t look like a pipe) 
Hi Barbara-I know! Hehe yes I love baked goods but I love my meat too
Hi Julia-haha bien sur!
Yes a man’s paradise really!
Hi penny-Isn’t it just! I love how they’ve piped the aroma-it’s pure genius! If I did a store I’d do that too
Hi Liss-Hehe please do!
Hi Yas-Yes they look great. I’ll go back for those for sure. Haha you have a golden ticket!
Hi Steph-Isn’t it great? I want some too. It reminded me of the cleaver door handles we saw at the Botswana Butchery in NZ
Hi sandra-I know, it’s so exciting isn’t it! Cool!
Hi Cakelaw_it’s like Disneyland for gourmets
Hi Tiffany-Haha! I wonder what he’d think of it!
Hi Peter-you’re welcome! I’d love to know what you think of it!
Hi Matilda-Aww thankyou!
I know, I love places like that too. It’s like I found “my people” 
yum! Sounds gorgeous!
Hi Anita-Hehe they’re great!
Hi Forager-yes I bet the lines are out the door before Australia Day!
Hi Betty-Cool! Yes I thought the prices for the meat were very reasonable
Hi Liv-I know! Like a paradise really!
Aww what shame! You’re welcome!
Hi Eve-Isn’t it!
Yes it seems like decades away doesn’t it! 
Thanks and you’re welcome! 
x
Hi Mel-I really wanted to dip a cracker into it
Oh cool!
Hi Jackie-Thankyou so much! I agree, I think this is one of a kind but more would be great!
Hi shaz-hehe yes it’s worth just going in for a look. It’s so cool!
Hehe thanks! 
Hi Ellen-Oh fantastic! Have a great time! Eat lots of good food for me!
Hi Angela-I know what you mean!
It’s above the door 
xxx
Hi Conor-Hehe! It’s fantastic isn’t it. Like my dream place really
Oooh rhubarb slides and mulberry cushions! You have the best imagination! 
Hi janna-Hehe cool! You won’t be disappointed!
Hi Deborah-I’ve updated the number details-thanks!
Hi Belle-I know!
Haha along with everyone else I think! 
Hi Bria-Yes this is beyong butchers isn’t it
Hi grub-Yes it’s pretty big indeed! But most of the meat is at their Mascot location
Hi Sophie-It is! Thankyou so much Sophie!
xxx
Hi FFichiban-Hehe it is your dream for sure! I can understand that, I think they should be warned should you ever go in!
Hi anja-Thankyou!
Hi Mr. Taste-yes it’s amazingly reasonable considering the setting!
Hi Jacq-Haha I bet you could find it!
A true foodie would be able to 
Hi Amy-Yes I don’t think there’s anything quite like it in Australia or the world really! Yum! That sounds good
Hi Arwen-It’s so clever isn’t it!
Hi Katherine-Haha I can see what you mean with the Argan oil display
Hi Cathy-Wouldn’t it be amazing if all butchers were like this!?
Hi Moya-Hehe thankyou! That was an awesome burger I have to say
Oooh I love hte sound of your land! 
Hi Simon-It will render you speechless it’s that cool!
Hi Pigpigscorner-Hehe isn’t it funny!
Hi Faith-Me neither!
Thankyou so much!
Hi nora-I couldn’t get it with the reflection!
Hi Vanessa-I think Puharich is a Yugoslavian name but I’m not 100% sure
Hi chez us-Thankyou! Oh really? I must look it up!
Hi kel-I know, it’s a gourmet meat lover’s paradise!
Hi Tiffany-It’s incredible isn’t it!
You’re welcome!
Hi ArtemisIII-’Tis indeedy!
Hi omnivore-Isn’t it obvious I’m not taking the mickey out of it? That’s your opinion of LV and not mine. Obviously the colours brown and gold also go into the LV analogy. Sounds like you’re determined not be a customer. I didn’t say that it was cheap, I said it was reasonable for the quality.
Hi Kip-Hehe yes gotta love meat porn!
Hi kim -Sounds like you had a good day!
Iknow, there’s so much to see there and to buy! I think the ready made meals were a little pricey but some things were so reasonable I was stunned!
Hi Teena-Oh good! Yes this is much nicer I think that this is much more nicely and innovatively merchandised than Harrods
All so fab!Some other shops in Queen Street could take notes. You know all the family work here and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
Hi Damian-Indeed! It’s a store that’s so unusual and will give everyone a run for their money!
Whoa – I’ll have to check it out when I’m back in Sydney! It doesn’t help that Vic Churchill was my great grandfather so heading over there is a moral imperative
Thanks for such kind words about our concept and design of the Victor Churchill shop. We loved designing something truly unique world-wide and are thrilled with the response.
Cheers
Michael McCann
Principal
Dreamtime Australia Design
This is what I call food innovation! Tiffany on a plate!
I was told that a whole sirloin cost my friend $130.00!
wow…………
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