9.30am on the morning after the opening party – the DJ is still packing up his decks – and Ripponlea newcomer Hawk & Hunter Small Batch is already packed to its 80-seat dining capacity.

Hidden mysteriously behind butcher-papered windows for months, the space has finally revealed itself to be a large, airy café complete with full-wall feature works from local artists, blonde timber tables and top-notch coffee.

Its pedigree is sound: this is the crew-of-four also responsible for The Little Ox in Brighton and catering company Tommy Collins Events.

Hawk & Hunter houses a huge, shiny catering kitchen that will churn out the yummy morsels for Tommy Collins Events and a second exposed kitchen servicing the café and making the likes of Mexican breakfast corn fritters, deconstructed Eggs Benedict and delectable-sounding sandwiches (hello, pulled pork and Manchengo cheese) and pastas.

The vibe inside is fun-industrial, with polished concrete floors, a recycled timber wall feature and matching table, brightly coloured light fittings and mismatching Tolix stools.

More than anything, it feels homely right away even though it’s brand new. You could easily while away the hours at one of their communal tables with the paper and a latte.

Hawk & Hunter will open initially just for breakfast and lunch with a view to being an evening bar and noshery down the track (once their licence comes through).

For the fresh-from-the-commute train crowds, a selection of take home meals are available: The 12-hour slow cooked lamb shoulder will make you look very impressive, as will the ready-made Chacuterie and terrine.

Small batch runs of house made sauces and spices are also being bottled so you can take home the tastes of Hawk & Hunter.

Where: Glen Eira Avenue, Ripponlea
Phone: 03 9528 2719
Open:  7 days, 6.30am to 5pm (Kitchen 7am-4.30pm. Check for extended hours soon)
Details: HawkandHunter.com.au