Meet Catherine, a Longtime Merlo Coffee Fanatic

Some people remember their first coffee. Catherine remembers the café. More than 24 years ago, Catherine went looking for the best coffee in town. That search brought her to James Street in Fortitude Valley and it quietly became part of her routine.

“My name is Catherine and I've been coming to Merlo ever since I first returned home from Sydney, just over 24 years ago now.”

It wasn’t just about finding a decent cup. It was about finding somewhere that felt right.

“I researched the best coffee in town and I absolutely came here.”

She remembers the stools, the hum of conversation, watching beans being roasted. That first visit marked more than just a change in postcode.

“That was my first time embarking on a solo life. I sat in this café and reflected on my journey. I was excited about life.”

Particular About Coffee, In a Good Way

“I’m quite selective with my coffee, my wine, my food, whatever I do.”

For her, quality is everything.

“It’s like baking a cake with the right recipe and high-quality ingredients. You get the perfect cake.”

That same thinking carries through to coffee. It should be smooth and strong but never bitter. Balanced and intentional. She laughs remembering that she didn’t even start out as a coffee drinker.

“I was never a coffee drinker. I started with a cappuccino, a big mug with all the chocolate on top and extra chocolate as well.”

Over time, her order naturally evolved.

“Now I have a double shot macchiato or double piccolo, made perfectly. I love the way they get the layers and the crema. That’s my go-to, always Espresso Blend.”

But what really drew her in wasn’t just the taste.

“I acquired a taste for it through the experience of café society, which I'm passionate about, because that brings people and community together. For me, that’s what it’s all about.”

“It brings people together. The aroma of coffee, I mean, who doesn’t love that?”

Merlo James Street Cafe - A Place That Holds History

When she talks about her favourite coffee memory, it circles back to that first visit on James Street.

“My favourite memory was sitting here in this café.”

It wasn’t a big celebration or an event. It was simply a moment.

“I sat here and reflected on my journey.”

Coffee, for Catherine, has marked chapters of her life, from cappuccinos in her twenties to a perfectly layered macchiato now. It has followed her through moves, milestones and dinner parties.

“I fell in love not only with the coffee but the community and the family behind it. That’s my special moment, sitting here.”

After more than two decades, her ritual remains simple. Because being a coffee fanatic isn’t about how many you drink. It’s about how much meaning you pour into each one. 

Our Coffee Fanatics series spotlights the people who make Merlo what it is.

Keep an eye on our socials and blog as we continue celebrating the routines, rituals, and regulars behind every cup, one beautiful coffee at a time. ☕💙