Meet Peter

Some people have a coffee; others have a ritual. For Peter, that ritual has revolved around Merlo Eagle Farm for the past five years. We recently caught up with him to talk about the social side of his brew, his nightly "dessert" coffee habit, and why the local team keeps him coming back. Here’s what this self-confessed coffee fanatic had to say about his daily grind.

Friends, Coffee, and Community

"It’s definitely the vibe," Peter says, reflecting on what keeps him loyal to the spot. "The staff members here are really friendly. It’s that social aspect and the fact that the coffee is easily the best you can find around here that keeps me coming back."

"Being a regular, they all know my order the second I walk in. I just walk up, have a chat, pay, and my coffee is ready."

That sense of community is anchored by familiar faces like Bubz, a long-time staple of the Eagle Farm team. Over the years, Peter’s relationship with the staff has evolved into a genuine friendship. "Bubz is always up for a chat. She actually remembers what’s going on in your life and asks about your weekend. She does that with everyone, and it’s great to see a team so committed to their customers. Everyone here is passionate about what they do."

The Perfect Coffee Routine

When it comes to the brew itself, Peter considers himself a bit of a "coffee connoisseur" in the making. While he has sampled every bean Merlo has ever released for both home and the café, he always finds himself returning to his true love, the Espresso blend. "I’ve tried tea, and it’s just not for me," he laughs. "I love the variety within the bean, how the roast and the blend change the experience. Even when I try the Bean of the Month, I always revert back to the Espresso."

His daily routine is a dedicated one, usually consisting of three coffees a day. He splits his time between the café and his home setup, usually opting for a hot latte, though he will switch to an iced version as soon as the Queensland heat kicks in. His most unique habit happens long after most people have put the kettle away.

"As soon as I wake up, I have a coffee, and I usually have another before lunch," Peter explains. "But I also have one at 8:00 PM every night before bed. People might think it’s weird, but I still fall asleep perfectly. It’s like a dessert for me."

Despite a less-than-ideal memory of dropping a fresh 6:00 AM coffee all over a brand-new car, Peter’s enthusiasm for the bean has not wavered. For him, the Merlo experience is the perfect combination of a superior product and a team that makes you feel like more than just a transaction. As he puts it, "It’s just a really good place to be."

Merlo Coffee Fanatics

That’s the sign of a true coffee fanatic, someone who finds a little sip of comfort in every cup, whether it’s the first one at dawn or the last one before bed.

Our Coffee Fanatics series is all about the people who bring our cafes to life. Stay tuned to our blog and socials as we continue to share the stories, rituals, and regulars that make the Merlo community so special. ☕💙