Hank Marvin will host Bakers’ Exchange, pulling together some of their cake, bread and patisserie specialists, for a pop-up event at Ballarat Mining Exchange next weekend.

Market founder and manager Paul Wesolek said regulars at the St Kilda-based market had constantly been telling him to check-out Ballarat’s growing foodie culture. It was in researching the city for a Big Burger tour, tipped to arrive in Ballarat later this year, that Mr Wesolek could hardly resist a taster sooner.

“I saw the (Mining Exchange) space and personally was blown away,” Mr Wesolek said.

“We’ve got quite a few cake, bread and pâtissiers on out books and thought it would be good to have a go...People are always telling me about how Ballarat people embrace food culture.

“It is a chance to connect and tap into that and for Ballarat to get to know us a bit and it is a chance for us to put our hand up and encourage people to come see us in Melbourne.”

Hank Marvin Markets is based in Alma Park East, each Saturday, at the base of Chapel Street and amid a booming food precinct. It averages between 1800-2000 market-goers weekly and has developed a culture as a place to hang out and catch up with friends.

Mr Wesolek said the Mining Exchange could offer a similar vibe and the Bakers’ Exchange would offer something fun for people wanting to get out and about this winter.

Bakers’ Exchange highlights include the rich and colourful plant-based cakes and doughnuts of Rawbeet (only Saturday), which Mr Wesolek said took raw and vegan food to a new level. 

“By doing Hank, we’ve stumbled on traders some people have never met before, so we’ve got some of those, so it’s not just all the bigger and stronger players,” Mr Wesolek said. “It’s also the people who can surprise you a little bit.”

Bakers’ Exchange is in town July 15-16 from 9am.