Overview
Award-winning British-born chef Paul Wilson has leant his talents to many a top Melbourne restaurant during his years in the city, even consulting on the opening of Lady Carolina back in 2015. He's since moved on — presumably to focus on his latest venture Wilson & Market, which is set to open tomorrow, Thursday, March 16.
Taking over a grand space adjoining Prahran Market, the eatery is a multi-faceted affair, slated to launch in three stages. Later on, we'll see a sit-down cafe, a brasserie and a bar, but tomorrow it all kicks off with the opening of Mr Wilson's Tuck Shop. Here at this to-go window, framed by a custom-made arabica coffee plant mural, Wilson's looking to do takeaway fare without the fried food with what he describes as "delicious, produce-centric, local and nourishing dishes for the market patron to grab on the go".
Built around produce sourced solely from the Mornington Peninsula's Transition Farm, the menu will change regularly, but you can expect on-the-go options that put that sad lunch sushi to serious shame. Rotisserie meats and house-smoked brisket sandwiches will sit alongside biodynamic salads and vibrant veggie dishes. Coffee will be courtesy of St Ali and sweet treats will come from the market's own chocolatier, Tad Lombardo at Cioccolato Lombardo.
It's a hugely ambitious venture from Wilson. Next month a 50-seat cafe will open, followed by a huge 200-seat bar in May.
Mr Wilson's Tuck Shop will open on Thursday, March 16. It will be open 7am-5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays to Sundays at 163-185 Commercial Road, Prahran. For more info, visit wilsonandmarket.com.au.