Almost six years ago Duchess of Spotswood was on the vanguard of the regeneration of Spotswood. A cafe so well-regarded that foodies would even cross the Westgate (gasp) to eat there.

It’s now got new owners and while it lacks the same finesse as before some of the dishes that made the original so famous are still on the menu.  I’m glad to see that my favourite, the Duchess of Pork, makes an appearance.

It’s a slab of crispy pork jowl with creamed and roasted cauliflower, a crunchy smoked pork and gruyere croquette, fried egg and a sprinkling of black truffle and sage ($20). It’s as good as I remembered – a mass of porky goodness with an interesting combination of textures.

For Baby 2.0 there’s a kids menu but we go for ‘Just What the Doctor Ordered’ ($15.50). The house made lemon curd is the standout and I slather generous scoops onto the crunchy Dr Marty’s crumpets.

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One of the new additions is the backyard cubby. This is kid heaven, with a collection of toys and books to amuse little kids while you sip your St Ali coffee.

You can access the shaded courtyard from the side gate if you have a pram. Other family-friendly features include a change table in the ladies toilets and high chairs.

The Duchess of Spotswood is a convenient option for local families and you’ll find dishes on the menu that you can’t find anywhere else. I did find the service a bit sleepy and haphazard on a quiet weekday, hopefully they are more on the ball when it’s a busy weekend.

Click here for more child-friendly cafes with outdoor play areas.

HOT Tips:

• Pram access;
• High chairs;
• Outdoor courtyard with cubby house and toys;
• Kids menu;
• Standard menu suitable for kids; and
• Limited Street parking;
• Walking distance from Spotswood train station, long walk to Scienceworks.

Duchess of Spotswood, 87 Hudsons Road Spotswood (03) 9391 6016

Mon-Fri 7-3pm

Sat-Sun 8-3pm