Common Man Coffee Roasters’ second cafe.
Common Man Coffee Roasters’ second cafe.
After reading an article on one of the last milk bars in Australia, the founder of Common Man Coffee Roasters, Harry Grover, passed it on to the Asylum design team for inspiration. These deli-like stores were popular in the 1920s, and sold daily essentials like newspapers, sandwiches and shakes to a suburban crowd in a glamorous Art Deco space. It was both sophisticated and inviting, an atmosphere recreated in the second Common Man cafe, Common Man Stan.
Located on Stanley Street, Common Man Stan is fast becoming a stylish breakfast and lunch spot for the busy bees of the CBD. Subtle Art Deco elements such as geometric instore graphics, brass-hued trims and arched shelves fill the space, while grey terrazzo floors and neon signs spell a more downtoearth atmosphere. Diner booths upholstered in muted flora and fauna prints and a long communal table also encourage get-togethers.
“Harry wanted a lighthearted yet sophisticated dining ambience. An Australian milk bar is typically decked out in marble countertops, so we used brass and stone finishes to create a luxurious look and – inspired by the surrounding location – rattan weaving for a local touch,” shares the Asylum team.
On the menu are crowd favourites from its first cafe on Martin Road, as well as new dishes; the Beef Ribeye Jungle Curry was inspired by a popular fish head curry store around the corner, and the Halloumi, Zucchini and Herb Fritters are so good it has been added to the Martin Road cafe menu as well. There is now also a longer wine list, and nitro cold brew and craft beer available on tap.
Cafe-goers should check out the retail section, too. Common Man Stan is now selling Sol Cups, which are hand blown, reusable glass cups that make your coffee addiction more environmentally friendly. They retail at $35 each, with your first coffee on the house.
Check out Common Man Stan at 11 Stanley St, tel: 68 77-4855.
Rattan gives both the sophisticated brass hues and raw concrete walls a softer touch.
Every space is immaculately designed, including the loo!
