In my review of Mies a few weeks ago I considered the arrival of a good cafe to Spotswood to be a sign of the suburb’s late gentrification. Well, it seems it is happening faster than I had presumed, indeed there is Royalty in Hudsons road now! The Duchess of Spotswood is literally next door to Mies in a well renovated old shopfront. It’s rather small inside but not cramped, you’d want to get there early on a Sunday though. The focus here seems to be on high quality food, for example, Torquay’s Zeally Bay Sourdough is the house bread. A huge english breakfast including a coffee is available for $21.
Pleasingly for a caffeine addict the entrance is guarded by a charming LaMarzocco. They are currently using the Auction Rooms’ Small Batch brand of coffee and using it well. My long mach was probably a little too hot, so the milk aerated on top a little. But, given a few stirs it hit the spot.
There is room for improvement at The Duchess but her Highness ought to be embraced for she will improve with age. And she is already charming. Here’s hoping that both Mies and The Duchess of Spotswood survive side by side!
Being a Spotswood local, duchess is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood! I have found the coffee to be consistently excellent, and although I have yet to sample the menu, the service is always friendly and welcoming. Can’t wait to try the cooked breakfast!
Ditto, but I have tried the food and it is sublime! Simple menu but really focused on good quality. Love the house made gingerbread cupcakes, as does my daughter! The coffee it worth crossing town for.
Coffee is really good but do try the food too. I had the best quiche ever and even tried the smoked eel. The cupcakes are to die for. I liked the idea of the fruit basket and the donation to charity.
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