Waikiki’s Best Kept Secret: The "Destination" Butcher Locals Swear By
Why people are traveling across Perth to visit Paul and Elaine at Graysons Family Butchers.
By Wade McColl (20/01/2026)
Paul and Elaine Grayson, Graysons Family Butchers. Photo: supplied.
The Death of the Local Butcher? Not Here.
In an industry now dominated by big chains, self-checkout kiosks, and pre-packaged meat wrapped in plastic, the art of the local butcher is becoming a rarity. There is something special, almost nostalgic, about walking into a shop where the owners know your name, ask about your family, and know exactly how you like your steak cut.
If you think those days are gone, you haven’t been to Graysons Family Butchers in Waikiki Village yet.
Managed by husband-and-wife team Paul and Elaine, this family-run gem has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond the local suburb. In fact, they have achieved something very difficult in modern retail: they have turned a standard convenience stop into a “destination.”
Paul (Graysons Family Butchers, Left) and Yvonne (Waikiki Village Management, Right). Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.
A Taste of Home: The English Connection
According to Yvonne Whittaker from Waikiki Village management, Graysons is no longer just serving the immediate neighbourhood.
“We love hearing that people travel to buy their speciality English products such as pork pies, gammon, and cooked hams,” Yvonne told the Baldivis Times. “This puts them firmly into the destination shopping centre category.”
For the massive community of UK expats living in the Rockingham and Baldivis areas, finding a “proper” pork pie or the right cut of gammon is serious business. Paul and Elaine have tapped into this niche, providing a taste of home that the anchor tenants next door simply cannot replicate.
Pies from Graysons Family Butchers. Photo: Graysons Family Butchers
While the big supermarkets provide the basics, Graysons provides the connection. It is the mix of independent passion and niche knowledge that separates them from the competition.
Mark, a new customer who recently discovered the shop, shared his experience:
“Didn’t know this gem existed till today. From the warm and friendly conversation with Paul’s wife... to meeting Paul today. We went primarily for the Pork Pie and were not disappointed.”
Another regular added:
“I especially love their sausages! Highly recommend them. A few times, I have asked for bones or other items, and they will always cut and prepare anything I ask for.”
Elaine Grayson and Paul Grayson, Graysons Family Butchers. Photo: Graysons Family Butchers
Why Supporting Local Matters
Waikiki Village is what the industry terms a “neighbourhood centre” - designed for day-to-day needs. But supporting family-owned businesses like Graysons does more than just fill the fridge. It builds a retail mix that genuinely reflects the people it serves.
When you buy from Paul and Elaine, you aren’t just a transaction number; you are supporting a local family that, in turn, supports the community.
The Verdict?
Next time you are in Waikiki, walk past the supermarket meat aisle. Pop in, say g’day to Paul and Elaine, and grab yourself a pork pie. You won’t regret it.