We sat down with Murray, a long-time local and self-confessed Forza fanatic, to discuss why he’s spent nearly five years calling Merlo his second home. 

The Consistency of Quality

While many coffee drinkers stick to the basics, Murray has refined his order into a daily ritual. Whether he’s visiting us in-store or making coffee at home, he knows exactly how he likes it. When we asked about his usual order, Murray didn’t hesitate. “I usually just have one a day, but it’s a large caramel cap on almond milk, that’s my go-to favourite.”

At home, the ritual continues. “When I make it myself, I use my own caramel and Forza beans in my coffee machine, Merlo beans, of course. It’s got to be the right temperature. That’s probably the main thing.”

The Heart of the Experience: The Team

While the quality of the beans is essential, Murray insists the real secret behind Merlo Eagle Farm is the people. For him, the camaraderie is just as important as the crema. When asked about his favourite thing about his local Merlo, Murray summed it up simply.

“The people, the coffee, maybe a bit of everything. But mostly the people. The friendliness, the camaraderie, and of course the coffee.”

When we asked if there was anything else he’d like to share, Murray was quick to highlight the team members who make his daily visit special.

“I tell you, Bubz is brilliant. Fraser does an amazing job. Patrick too. Keira is top notch. She’s such a lovely person. She always greets me and asks how my week’s going. Sometimes I get my coffee and there’s a little bag next to it, and she says, ‘Oh, that’s for you.’ It’s just a little treat. I don’t expect that, but it means a lot. That’s what you get here.”

For Murray, it’s those small moments that keep him coming back.

“Everybody is so beautiful to deal with. That’s why I keep coming back. It’s the people and the coffee. I can’t say it enough. The staff here are just divine. They really appreciate what they do and appreciate everyone who walks in.”

For Murray, Merlo Eagle Farm isn’t just a place to grab a caffeine fix. It’s a community. Whether he’s enjoying a quiet coffee after breakfast or sharing his love of Forza with colleagues, he’s a reminder of what makes our local cafés so special.

Finding the Right Bean

Interestingly, Murray's love for coffee is a relatively recent chapter in his life. It took one "lightbulb" moment to turn him from a fan of the aroma into a true connoisseur. 

"Well, I've only really started drinking coffee probably in the last 10 years. Up until that point, I never drank coffee. I used to love the smell of it, but I could never drink it. And then one day we went for breakfast at a cafe, and they bought me a coffee and it was like, oh my God… this is what an actual coffee tastes like." 

Since then, he’s experimented with various blends, but one specifically stands out for its depth and strength: Forza. "I've tried just about every bean in my own coffee machine. I like basically all of them, but Forza is always the stand out for me. It's just that little bit stronger. It's a little bit more richer, and I've got everybody at work hooked on it." 

Merlo Coffee Fanatics

That’s the heart of a true coffee fanatic, someone who finds joy in every cup, whether it’s the first one at dawn or the one that ends the day.

Stay tuned to our blog and socials for more stories from the people, rituals, and regulars that make the Merlo community so special. ☕💙