BORED of spending another summer evening at the beach, shops or park? Don’t stay at home, jump aboard a truly authentic Melbourne experience and visit a night market.
But not just any night market. Last week, Meld stopped by the absolutely unforgettable Supper Market at Abbotsford Convent and we loved it!
Back for its third year, the Supper Market is about to end for this summer, but you still have one more chance to go on Friday February 24 from 6pm to 10pm. So don’t miss out!
Taking advantage of daylight saving, this market is a great excuse to stay out late savouring city life. Reveling in the great park atmosphere, you can try treats from the various multicultural food stands and buy from local designers selling their arts and crafts.
Founder Binh Ray says one of the best things about the Supper Market is the beautiful location it’s in. The Abbotsford Convent might only be 4km from the CBD, but it has a historical flair all of its own.
“You can purchase food from the food stalls and have picnics. As the sun sets, the atmosphere becomes a magical setting for all to enjoy,” Binh says.
“The Abbotsford Convent has historic buildings and gorgeous garden grounds, both of which visitors are able to explore after their alfresco dining experience.”
While it’s one of the smaller night markets in Melbourne, the Supper Market is known for its intimate setting, delicious food and short queues! Plus, you don’t need to fight for a seat or for a good spot on the green grass.
And if you come between 6.30pm to 8.30pm, you can listen to local musicians playing live music while you eat.
The food on offer comes from all over the globe. You can try the Spanish cocktail favourite, Sangria, Himalayan dumplings, Australian calamari, French provincial casseroles, Biyani rice and Turkish pastries, not to mention freshly made juices and desserts that range from the unique bretzel (big soft pretzel) to the downright delicious chocolate cake.
Once you’re suitably stuffed, you can stroll along the small market and see the famous Kenyan beads on sale or Thailand handbag makers and bring home some treasures.
That said, Binh insists it’s not the food, music or crafts that make this market such a fantastic place it to be. The real stars of the show are the locals and tourists who come week in and week out!
“The atmosphere of people enjoying themselves with their friends and family is a wonderful sight for the event organiser,” she says.
“They love the hawker food stalls serving home-cooked food from around the world, merrily drink wine and beer from the Boiler room bar and stroll through the stalls for treasures to take home.
“There are other twilight markets in Melbourne, but you won’t find a more beautiful setting than the Abbotsford Convent to enjoy a night out. The atmosphere at this market is magical. It’s all about enjoying yourself and loving the quality food!”
Meld had a blast at the Supper Market last Friday, but we do have one suggestion, if you want to sit on the grass and enjoy your international treats, bring your rug along and make a mini picnic with a mix of different dishes from all over the globe.
To get to the Supper Market, catch the train to Victoria Park Station on the Epping or Hurstbridge line and then walk 15 to 20 minutes to Abbotford Convent. Otherwise, hop onto the 200, 201, or 207 bus from Melbourne Central (Lonsdale St) and get off at the Clarke St bus stop. From here, it’s a five minutes walk to the market.
The Supper Market is open from 6pm to 10pm for one more Friday night, February 24, and is located at the Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford.
For more information, visit the Supper Market website.