Taking something from nature, giving it depth and warmth and turning into something special. It’s a simple, age-old process. Coffee dates back as far as the thirteenth century, and espresso so the early 1800s. Melbourne’s Slowpoke Espresso is not quite as old – only a few months in fact – but thanks to the understated efforts of French-born, Melbourne-based designer Anne-Sophie Poirier, it’s continuing that timeless tradition of making the most of what nature gives us. Slowpoke’s centrepiece is a 12 metre wooden feature wall, constructed with elegant offcuts from local furniture designers who, themselves, use recycled timber and that’s just the start of it where recycling’s involved; tables made from recycled flooring, business cards from hand-cut cardboard packaging, fittings from flea markets and solar powered signage ensure that this Fitzroy café is every bit as sustainable as the wholesome organic goodness they’re serving up…

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