December 2009, I waltz up to what appears to be some kind of office building in South Melbourne. Spotting the Shovel & Gun decals on the door I know I’m finally here. Dead Man Espresso. I had heard good things but at that stage was still pretty disconnected from the specialty coffee / café scene. What a pleasant surprise.
The space is clean but warm, a product of the generous use of wood and the focus of design nerd proprietor – Luke Mutton. This focus on design has led to Mutton & his partner Kylie Mackinlay designing their next venue, Seddon’s upcoming ‘Common Galaxia’ themselves.
