Second Home

A cafe-goers home among the gumtrees.
Roseanne Tiziani
Published on May 12, 2016
Updated on October 27, 2021

Overview

As its name suggests, Second Home is the kind of place where you can get comfortable and unwind. Housed within a recently renovated mid 1970s building created by architect Alistair Knox, the beauty of the space is all within the details: vast skylight windows, gum trees, lush furnishings and an open fireplace.

Second Home is one of the newest additions to Jason M Jones' empire (joining Entrecôte, Bancroft BrewersThe Stables of Como, Porgie and Mr Jones), so it makes sense that this space has been established with comfort in mind. Located down a quiet backstreet in Eltham and surrounded by warehouses, it's somewhat of a sanctuary in an unlikely place. So, in escaping from the everyday, it might be fair to say that locals and visitors flock to the cafe just to observe that lived-in feeling in a home away from home. Humans — we're an odd bunch.

Fans of Jones will recognise familiar items off the menu, which is split into Beautiful Brunch and Lovely Luncheon — particularly, his famous golden folded eggs ($15.90), which continue to be a crowd pleaser. A comprehensive list of options extends to also include an on-trend almond milk chia pudding ($14.90) and robust breakfast burger featuring grilled Hopkins River beef ($17.90). The standout remains the hearty Ploughman's Lunch ($18.90), which varies in its selection of terrines, cheeses and pickled vegetables. Come weekends, the libations trolley is also sure to soothe (or aggravate) any headaches, with a Bloody Mary, Bellini or Aperol Spritz ($12.90-13.90) amongst many friends at the ready.

A north-facing courtyard has recently opened which is sure to extend the sitting time at Second Home. In addition, a rotating selection of art available for purchase also creates a gallery amongst the gumtrees. With all of this, the Eltham cafe covers every staple needed in creating the living room you never had, but always needed.

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