Hank Marvin Market - St Kilda East - Melbourne - Review
Photo credit: @kateflatman
My British-born husband is quite a fan of Cockney rhyming slang so I'm quite familiar with the phrases “I’m hank marvin!” and “I’m proper hank!”. So when Hank Marvin Market opened in August 2015, I instantly fell in love with the name (FYI Hank Marvin is Cockney rhyming slang for starving) and have since become big fans of this weekly street-food and produce market.
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Located within the picturesque Alma Park in St Kilda East surrounded by a busy sporting oval, two popular public swimming pools, a great play park (more about that further down) and close to the busy Chapel Street precinct, Hank Marvin is a foodie paradise + it’s fantastic to visit with toddlers!
Presenting a rotating, carefully selected group of food trucks, fine and fresh produce merchants and community stalls - with approximately 40 stalls each week - there really is something for everyone at Hank Marvin. Alongside many traders who Melbournians have grown to love (and actively seek out at different events), you can also expect new vendors you’ll likely become very familiar with soon.
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Photo credit: @kateflatman
On our most recent visit we couldn’t go past visiting a few of our favourites; delectable doughnuts by Cobb Lane Bakery, coffee from the gang at Little Big Sugar Salt, toasties by Toasta (order the Mack filled with cheese blend, cheesy mac & cheese and caramelised onion, yum!) as well as Korean Japanese street food from Kimu (the Breakfast Kimchi Omelette with free range smoked thick bacon was out of this world!).
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Our #minimelbournefoodies love the market too! On this occasion they were kept satisfied with many samples from the friendly food vendors, dog cuddles from the beautiful Gumtree Greys greyhounds (+ the many other super adorable pups who visit the market), creative time at the large blackboard and face painting by the lovely ladies from Where’s My Unicorn?. *Alejandro the Mexican Music Man entertains children of all ages once every month too with his vibrant Mexican and Latin music.
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Photo credit: @kateflatman
A visit to Hank Marvin Market wouldn't be complete without a play in the nearby playground. This has definitely got to be one of the best playgrounds in Melbourne. It’s the perfect spot for children to run around while you finish your coffee and that scrumptious pastry or tasty plate of food that you picked up next door.
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Photo credit: @kateflatman
Photo credit: @kateflatman
The park itself is separated into different playing areas with various sized and shaped slides, a flying fox, swings, monkey bars, rockers and an assortment of climbing equipment; there really is something to suit every age and ability. The playground is surrounded by tall gum trees and a stunning Moreton Bay fig tree and offers an abundance of nature play areas for little ones to explore too.
Photo credit: @kateflatman
With some of the best food that Melbourne has to offer - not to mention the 28 metres of dining hall, ample seating and blankets aplenty – Hank Marvin Market is more than just a place to grab some delicious food or the weekly shop, it’s a gathering place for friends and families alike. Go check it out this weekend!
Photo credit: @kateflatman
For more ideas on what to do with the little ones, head to our blog or CBD Top 5 FREE activities or our popular Daily Spots List.