Coffee culture by the cupful: Badger & Hare Café

Barista Will Davis, from Badger & Hare Café in Stratford, Gippsland

Coffee culture is more familiar in the eclectic laneways of Melbourne, where its social and sensory experience has for decades become an integral part of the city’s epicurean scene. But over the past few years, the phenomenon has found a special place in Stratford, a small town on the way to East Gippsland. 

Positioned on the main street, with a cosy and inviting atmosphere, Badger & Hare Café has become a mecca for coffee aficionados and brew buffs from across the region and beyond. And as it turns out, there's some serious technical knowledge behind every aromatic beverage that barista Will Davis creates.

"You need to know your beans," said Will. "There's a science to understanding the properties of coffee beans and how each batch is unique."

It’s this knowledge that informs the type and quality of beans Will sources for The Badger.

"From the altitude of where the plants are grown, to how the beans are dried and processed; we consider all of these factors when extracting the best out of our coffee,” said Will.

"Ultimately, it's about an experience that goes beyond taste and aroma."

Spending time with Will at the café reveals how passionate he is about helping coffee lovers gain greater insight of what they're consuming.

Three years ago, when Will’s family became the new owners of Badger & Hare, he took over the role of barista. After making coffees for 18 months and mastering his craft, Will moved to Melbourne and worked in a busy café creating hundreds of espressos, lattes and flat whites each day.

Twelve months later, Will returned to Stratford. He's since drawn a significant following from those who appreciate the cosmopolitan coffee culture he’s brought home with him to Gippsland.  

Taking one step inside this charming café reveals the earthy smells of roasted beans and freshly extracted espresso, while the artistry Will applies to each brew is something to be seen.

What's particularly unique about the emerging coffee culture at Badger & Hare is revealed by the range of equipment used for achieving the five elements of coffee tasting. Will continually researches methods of extraction to improve sweetness, acidity, body, flavour and finish (also known as aftertaste).

"Having each shot of espresso extracted at the perfect temperature makes all the difference to peak flavour and sweetness," said Will.

Badger & Hare stocks a distinct range of coffees that can be chosen according to taste. For the past fifteen months, Will and the team have been serving ONA coffee, a brand founded on values of sustainability and quality.

ONA beans bring a unique twist to the café, with reserve options, milk-based blends, espresso, and filter coffee offering exceptional and complex flavours. Notes vary from chocolatey, fruity or nutty; hints of wine or berries; and occasional malty undertones or the warm aroma of spices. Single origin beans are always available, while the range constantly cycles and offers new experiences to The Badger’s devoted followers.

“Most of our regulars have their favourites, but are equally keen to try new blends,” said Will. And for those who like to steer clear of caffeine, there’s some good news. “Our patrons who prefer decaffeinated coffee have often remarked how the ONA decaf tastes chocolatey with notes of caramel; just a little sweeter than the caffeinated coffee.”

Adding to the character of ONA beans, each offering is given a name.

“Unwind is ONA’s decaf,” said Will. “Aspen is the house blend, which is always available.”

Badger & Hare's free bean-grinding service is popular among those who buy their house-blend or ONA coffee by the bag. "Coffee lovers can select their favourites and enjoy a brew right here, or buy the beans and create their coffee at home,” said Will.

Badger & Hare is open seven days per week for breakfast and lunch at 20 Tyers Street, Stratford. Call in, have a chat with Will and the team, and be inspired by the celebrated coffee culture at this welcoming Gippsland café.

We’re delighted to have Badger & Hare as Food & Fibre Gippsland members.