Meet Miranda Simondson of Rex Espresso in Camberwell Junction

In the heart of Camberwell Junction, Rex Espresso has established itself as a local favourite, known for its excellent coffee, friendly service, and laid-back atmosphere.

Since opening its doors in 2018, the cafe has become a daily ritual for many in the area, offering a reliable and welcoming space for locals to grab their caffeine fix or enjoy a light meal.

At the helm of the cafe is general manager Miranda Simondson, who oversees the day-to-day operations and ensures the smooth running of this busy spot. With a passion for great coffee and genuine customer service, she leads a team that prides itself on being efficient, friendly, and approachable — qualities that have helped Rex Espresso carve out a loyal customer base.

The cafe’s popularity isn’t just limited to Camberwell Junction. What began as a single store has since expanded into a thriving network of six locations nationwide, with a seventh store to open soon. But despite its growing presence, the essence of Rex Espresso remains grounded in community and connection.

Whether it’s regulars popping in multiple times a day or newcomers discovering their new favourite coffee spot, Rex Espresso has become a vital part of daily life for many in Camberwell Junction.

Family-run business fosters friendly attitude

The warmth and familiarity that defines Rex Espresso starts at the top. The business is led by experienced hospitality professional Danny Hachem, whose roots in the Camberwell dining scene run deep. Many locals will remember Danny from his days running the much-loved Ebony Quill restaurant, a Camberwell institution for many years.

Bringing more than 30 years of hospitality expertise to Rex Espresso, Danny has instilled a culture of genuine connection and friendliness at the cafe.

The family-run nature of the business is one of its greatest strengths, creating an atmosphere that is warm, approachable, and community-focused.

“We have some customers that know Danny and our baristas really well. It’s a really lovely community that we have,” Ms Simondson said.

Good coffee at great prices

While the friendly service might draw people in, it’s the quality coffee that keeps them coming back.

Rex Espresso has developed its own signature coffee blend in collaboration with renowned Melbourne roaster Genovese Coffee. The result is a rich, full-bodied blend with a dark chocolate and caramel finish — a crowd-pleasing flavour profile that has become a hallmark of the brand.

Coffee is at the heart of everything Rex Espresso does, and its Camberwell Junction cafe has become a go-to destination for locals looking for their daily cup.

“We have a lot of regulars who come in up to three times a day – it’s definitely a coffee hub for a lot of people,” Ms Simondson said.

“Our baristas are incredible – we do 90kg of coffee per week. To people within the cafe industry, they understand that is a lot of coffee. So we have some talented, very speedy baristas,” she said.

Affordability is another key part of Rex Espresso’s appeal. While many cafes have seen rising prices, Rex Espresso has remained committed to offering exceptional quality coffee at a price point that’s accessible.

“We’re very price competitive for the quality we offer. We want to be known for offering affordable coffee,” Ms Simondson said.

“We also want to create a place where people can come in and out without any fuss, knowing they can rely on their coffee being consistent daily, and rely on their coffee being quick.”

Delicious food to complement the coffee

While coffee might be the main attraction, Rex Espresso offers a simple yet high-quality food menu to complement its brews. The cafe serves a range of fresh, fuss-free options that are perfect for a quick bite or light meal.

Popular choices include focaccias, baguettes, and toasted sandwiches — all made with quality ingredients. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s an enticing selection of pastries, banana bread, croissants, cakes, slices, and smaller snack items that pair perfectly with coffee.

“Mostly, we want to offer a place where it’s simple, easy and people can rely on good service and good coffee. It’s nothing too fancy. It’s kind of like an extension of your living room where you can sit and find some peace,” Ms Simondson said.

Service with a smile

Ultimately, what sets Rex Espresso apart is its service style — friendly, efficient, and grounded in genuine hospitality.

Efficiency is baked into the way the team operates, ensuring customers get their coffee quickly and with a smile, without unnecessary fuss or complication.

“We want things to be simple and straightforward. We don’t want to overcomplicate the service, but at the same time our staff really enjoy working and that naturally translates into the service that we give the customers,” Ms Simondson said. “Also, we’re there for a chat with anyone who is willing.”

For the team at Rex Espresso, simplicity is key — and it’s clear that customers appreciate this approach.

“We’re really just trying to foster a place that is a central community hub in Camberwell. Everyone is welcome here,” Ms Simondson said.

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