‘Sensational coffee’, ‘great food’ and ‘well worth travelling for’ are just some of the accolades that have been heaped upon new Melbourne café 8 Days. Situated in the heart of the affluent eastern suburb of Armadale, this outfit is polished, smart and relaxing, framing a huge communal table inside and offering outside tables just off the busy High St shopping strip, giving customers a peaceful space under the trees to enjoy their coffee. Owner and manager Ruaraidh Gunn researched the specialty coffee industry by offering his time at cafes and helped out at Five Senses’ events. This hard-won coffee knowledge combined with his friendly, professional staff, has quickly made 8 Days a resounding success. Just three weeks after opening, Ruri doubled his coffee trade.
When I asked Ruri what has most surprised him about owning and managing 8 Days café, he replied, “How much I have enjoyed it!” You see, Ruri’s path to cafe ownership has been far from the norm. For much of his life he has been a top level Real Tennis player (‘Real Tennis’ is the original version of grass tennis). Recognising the need for life after tennis, Ruri began a long conversation with a friend that led to the inception and opening of 8 Days.
8 Days’ menu boasts an array of fresh and organic items including classic Eggs Benedict, the justifiably famous Wagyu Burger (which is the house favourite) and the chef’s own creations like Duck and Brandy Chipolatas. There is also a wide range of beer and wine.
So what’s in a name? The Five Senses coffee is only used when the degassing process has slowed and the coffee is considered to be at its peak. This occurs ‘8 days’ after roasting. Confirming this commitment to coffee excellence, a shiny 3 Group Synesso Sabre sits close to the busy pathway, making it a great place to stop, chat to the friendly baristas and down a quick caffeine fix. All the baristas have studied at the Barista Academy and are deeply knowledgeable about their first love — coffee. After 8 Days launched a single origin programme, the cliental fell in love with the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. Consequently, they have been serving it ever since, while Crompton Rd is the popular house blend on offer.
So, if you’re in Melbourne and want to find an exceptional place for food, wine and coffee, why not drop in to 8 Days in Armadale? Ruri might even spin you a good yarn about Real Tennis too.
8 Days
1184 High St
Armadale VIC 3143
(03) 9500 9711
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday 7:00am — 5:00pm
Sunday 8:00am — 5:00pm
