New Lots

Jon, Matin and Luke, cafe proprietors. 

MEET MARTIN, LUKE AND JON OF NEW LOTS, cafe, South Melbourne.

After a year of planning and renovations New Lots throws opens it's doors to the locals. Meet the men behind this handsome, airy cafe on the South Melbourne/Port Melbourne border...

HI MARTIN, CONGRATULATION ON THE RECENT OPENING OF NEW LOTS - TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND, AND ABOUT WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED:

New Lots is a joint venture between myself (Martin) Luke (my brother) and Jon. My role primarily has been in coordinating and managing the project. I have a background in cooking.
Luke has been managing and working various in venues for many years, in more recent years as a bar manager, with stints at Nobu, The Atlantic, Vue de Monde and currently bar manger at Radio Mexico in St Kilda. Jon is a fully trained chef, working at Automatic, Albert Park Deli and Canvas in Burwood.

THIS IS A BRAVE MOVE OPENING IN THIS CORNER OF SOUTH MELBOURNE - WHAT DREW YOU TO THE SITE?

We were drawn to the space itself and the location. We like that it is away from Bay Street and that it is directly across from Page Reserve, which is one of the few parks in the area and doubles as an off-leash area - so dogs (and kids) can run around freely. I guess the idea was to create kick off.

'NEW LOTS' -  HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME?

The name comes from New Lots Avenue, which is on the outskirts of Brooklyn, NY, right at the end of the line. I have always liked the name and I recall this '80's Melbourne graffiti artist who used to write ‘New Lots 501’.  We have always had a fascination for destitute New York areas and  ramshackle deco design in the subway system. I guess we are also a new lot in an older area.

WHAT DID YOU WANT FROM THE SPACE AS YOU SET ABOUT DESIGNING IT?

The idea was to make the space as natural as possible, utilising both the inside and outside environments to their greatest potential.

This turned out to be far more challenging than we expected. We had never done anything like this before and had a box of ideas without understanding what would be required to make them reality!

It is thanks to the endless patience and commitment from our Master carpenter Craig Gadsby and his determination to get the project finished, that we are here today.

The biggest job structurally was replacing the windows, and adding the window overlooking the park. This created a great aspect and seamless integration with the environment.  

We wanted the walls to look organic and smooth.  

The ceiling was taken out to extend the roof height as much as possible to create even more space.

WHAT IS 'THE PHILOSOPHY' BEHIND NEW LOTS? WHAT ARE YOU WANTING TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS? 

To provide a great locale for people to eat, drink and relax. We are aiming to extend our food options much further and when our liquor license comes through a range of wine and the best beer around; Brooklyn Lager. The location provides great access to the park, where you can spend time with friends or family, whilst enjoying great food, coffee and professional service in a pristine inner city environment.




New Lots, cafe
1/204 Gladstone St
South Melbourne
Melbourne 3205
Open Monday - Saturday


See more photos on MELBOURNE CAFES PHOTO BLOG