Located in Melbourne’s Collins Square precinct is Long Shot, the newest venue by the Walker Evans Baker Restaurant Group, serving as a welcome retreat for those who live and work in Melbourne’s West End.

Bright whites, greens and light browns are balanced to create a refreshing escape from the corporate landscape of Docklands. Pedersen’s use of various greens in the café’s interior was deliberate, “It’s the colour of growth, of renewal and energy. It’s not gender oriented and can be easily adapted with the introduction of other colours,” she says.

The space, which is a mere 52 ½ m square appears much larger than it is. This is mainly due to the purposeful use of glass that encases the interior, allowing for plenty of natural light. The glass walls and open shop front connect the cafe to the outside, with furniture spilling out into Collins Square. The coffee machine takes pride of place at the café’s entrance, while the food display cabinet that displays cakes, pastries and freshly tossed salads wake all of the senses.

A thoughtful seating plan and use of light timber stools and seating (sourced from Temperature Design) give the interior a natural appearance, while the custom white marble stone tables (also Temperature Design) and bright white walls maintain a line that means the tiny space feels open.

Pedersen sourced vintage pieces (from The Mill Markets, Daylesford) and scattered them throughout the cafe; vases, cups, bowls and even small ceramic birds make up a medley of details compatible with the space.  Unique Dutch Origami Lights (sourced from The Minimalist Online Store) add an unexpected edge to the charming interior.

Long Shot is a light, balanced and welcome retreat from the office and is fast becoming a favourite in the city’s fast changing West End. Pedersen explains, “Retail design needs to acknowledge all that is going on around it. We want to create spaces that have a real sense of permanence and change people’s perception of what the ‘West End’ really is, as well as what it can be.”