First Look: Lumen People Reopens in Fitzroy (With Wine Coming Soon)

After three years in North Melbourne, much-loved cafe Lumen People poured its last coffees on Errol Street at the end of July. Now, co-owners and married couple Emma Sheahan and Marichi Clarke have reopened the business in Fitzroy, marking the next chapter.

“With the new site, our aim is to build a wider community for Lumen,” Sheahan says. “And we’re excited to be servicing this iconic pocket of the inner north.”

The new space feels like an exclusive dinner party, defined by warmth, natural light and colour. The pair took on much of the renovation work themselves, while collaborating with architect Anna Castles to bring cohesion and polish.

Head chef Bethany Petocz, who previously worked at Cutler and Old Palm Liquor, runs a short, sharp produce-driven menu.

“She’s committed to working with growers whose produce can stand on its own,” Clarke says. “Seasonality, ethics and quality are the starting point for every dish – our role is simply to let those ingredients do the talking.”

One of the heroes is whipped peas with pink peppercorns, herbs, prosciutto and sourdough. Another highlight is the earthy, nutty Mushroom People: oyster mushrooms over sticky braised grains, peppery leaves and wild garlic, crowned with a soft-boiled egg and a sharp tangle of pickled rhubarb.

Where the original 25-seat North Melbourne venue operated primarily as a cafe with a wine bar side hustle, Fitzroy will eventually flip the emphasis. But until the liquor licence is approved later this year, the focus remains on daytime. Coffee is from Small Batch, a roaster known for its direct relationships with farmers, ensuring beans move directly from grower to cup with traceability at every step.

“What we took from North Melbourne was an understanding of the art of service, and how we want the Lumen experience to feel. We also found the supply chains that inspire us most, the growers and makers we’ll keep celebrating here in Fitzroy,” Clarke says.

Lumen People
262 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
No phone

Hours
Mon 8am–3pm
Wed to Fri 8am–3pm
Sat & Sun 8am–4pm

lumenpeople.com