Dead Man Espresso team open city haunt Sun Moth Canteen & Bar

The team from Sun Moth Canteen & Bar

In the top 10 list of reasons why you choose a location for a business, "the shopfront is killer" is right up there. Luke Mutton and Kylie McKinlay, co-owners of South Melbourne's Dead Man Espresso, had been searching for a city site for a new project when they came upon the Niagara Lane location. They knew it was right for Sun Moth Canteen & Bar, a ''calm retreat for the locals and workers'' they aim to open in mid-November.

The pair are going into business with their chef, Jackson Duxbury, and friend Tod La Mar, in the 90-seat venue. Mutton describes the planned interior as "one-part utilitarian, one-part beauty, with patron comfort playing a central theme". Although officially at 377 Lonsdale Street, the entrance will be in Niagara Lane.

The kitchen is tiny so Sun Moth's menu will be streamlined. Breakfasts will be built on grains (muesli, granola, porridge) and poached eggs, and lunch and dinner will focus on salads, pickled and fermented food, stews and broths, with an emphasis on vegetables, and counter service.

Drinks will include craft beers, natural wines and filter coffee - there's no room for an espresso machine. Sun Moth will be open for breakfast and lunch on Mondays and breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday from mid-November.

Source:  Goodfood - 16 September 2014