In the heart of Springfield Lakes, Merlo Torrefazione, or “Roasting House”, is more than just a café – it’s an experience.
The flagship venue within the Orion Springfield Central shopping centre offers coffee enthusiasts the chance to witness the captivating process of coffee roasting while enjoying a range of delicious menu items.
With its in-store hot air roaster, the Merlo team transform high-quality green beans into the beloved brews that keep customers coming back for more. For customers, it’s not just about the coffee: it’s the experience of watching the beans go from raw to roasted, and ultimately, to their cup.
Gaby Lazorka, the café’s second-in-charge, has been central to the Merlo team for nearly four years. She started her journey as a junior staff member and has gradually worked her way up to her current role.
Recently, the café underwent a refurbishment, replacing dark steel tables with white marble tabletops.
“We wanted to create a brighter and more open space,” says Gaby.
“And we wanted to send a message that we serve high-quality coffee.”
When it comes to coffee, she says the whole team is committed to quality. She describes the coffee as having sweet notes, such as caramel and chocolate, which create a balanced flavour profile.
“Our long blacks are particularly popular,” she says.
Gaby believes customers enjoy the strength and balance of the coffee.
“People often comment on how well-crafted our drinks are,” she says. “It really shows that our baristas put a lot of love and effort into each cup.”
Merlo Springfield Lakes features a range of food options designed to complement its coffee, including Italian pastries and hearty sandwiches.
As the seasons change, Merlo is keeping things fresh with a new campaign featuring a limited edition Summer Blend, launched in November 2024 and available over summer. Inspired by the idyllic Australian coastline, this blend was brought to life via a partnership with Queensland-based designer Nishanthi Abeyasekera at Abey Print Studio.
Merlo Springfield Lakes
1 Main Street, Springfield Lakes, Queensland, 4300
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
and Friday 6.30am to 5.30pm, Thursday 6.30am to 7pm, Saturday and
Sunday 7am to 5pm
