Coming up at Brick Lane Market: A Fijian dining pop-up and porchetta rolls

This September, enjoy a curated dining experience by Fijian chef Arrnott Olssen at this two-storey Queen Victoria Market hub.

The opening of Brick Lane Brewing’s first venue at Queen Victoria Market in 2020 was serendipitous.

“The first beer we commercially sold was to the Queen Victoria Market, so they were kind of our first partners. So, it’s our spiritual home, if you like,” Andy Emans, Brick Lane Brewing’s experience manager told CBD News.

First came Brick Lane Shed, a small bar located on String Bean Alley offering a casual atmosphere fitting for a quick pint.

Then, in 2023, Brick Lane Market opened on Queen St in the 700 sqm building that was formerly home to the Mercat Cross Hotel. The pub is split into three sections, with a taproom downstairs, an upstairs dining room and a breezy terrace.

The brewery itself is based in Dandenong and was founded in 2018.

Along with its core range of beers, Brick Lane Market offers a rotating selection of limited release brews as well as non-alcoholic options – it’s all served with a sizeable menu that features market fresh ceviche with the day’s catch, poached lobster rolls, coconut-crumbed prawns and barbecue lemon myrtle octopus.

This September, Brick Lane Market is partnering with chef and former My Kitchen Rules contestant Arrnott Olssen for Kana Club, a Fijian dining experience unfolding over three nights from September 18 to September 20.

Using fresh produce from QVM, the night will feature a four-course meal and panel discussion between Arrnott, QVM traders and Brick Lane with a focus on how to make the most of seasonal fresh produce.

Andy says visitors should expect, “A fusion of really old-fashioned, good hospitality and service from a group of individuals who all love hospitality, and Arrnott who’s just got this beautiful nature about him.”

Some of the finest produce which we know in Victoria comes from the Queen Victoria Market. So just a fusion of great hospitality, incredible flavours and really, really amazing produce.

And on Sunday, September 7, Brick Lane Market will host its Father’s Day roast lunch.

“What we wanted to do for Father’s Day, we didn’t want you to have to lock into a set menu or anything like that. We just wanted to put on our favourite dish, our most popular special from the last six months, which has been this incredible porchetta roll that we’ve done. We’ve got a special beer coming up for the day,” Andy said. •