Over the past few weeks on a Friday night, Madame Brussels Lane transforms from a typical Melbourne laneway to a bustling hub of culture, a European night market.

Inspired by traditional Christmas markets popular across Europe, the night market showcases specialty food and beverages from all over the continent. Enjoy mulled wine with a German Bratwurst or pretzel, a Turkish gözleme, Polish dumplings, fondue French cheese or crème brûlée… Savour French crepes with your choice of toppings from banana and Nutella to caramel… Gobble Greek donuts and bite-size slider burgers.

An aroma of delicious food reaches you way before you enter the laneway. No surprise, then, that the market spills with those who seek it and those who simply stumble across the cultural degustation it offers. Thriving with people jostling for another mug of ale or mulled wine, or for some scrumptious delight, the market does not overwhelm you with claustrophobia. Rather it adds a cosy European feel to a wintry night, where market goers share the calibre of camaraderie you would see at Christmastime.

With live music all through the night, both food and atmosphere contribute to a distinct experience. The night market is the perfect way to spend a winter evening. It runs until August 22nd on Madame Brussels Lane, 50 Lonsdale St, 5pm til late.