St Helier’s Street Store & Gallery

I love this place. It’s simple & yet so complex. Look past the Convent Bakery where crowds gather en mass to this little gem where you can drink excellent coffee with a backdrop of art. There’s an outdoor area too & some tempting nibbles. The perfect place to while away an hour or two, journal, or catch up with friends.

I think this little store is fantastic. And no, it’s not just because of the cheap chocolate and the free wine. Although… free wine? Wow. It wasn’t the best I’ve ever had (some cleanskin or other), but free wine! Crazy times.
It’s also got a lovely atmosphere. The gallery is cool, full of interesting pieces — updated fairly regularly, too.
My friend nudged me in the ribs hard the last time we were there. It was Mick Turner from the Dirty Three! I don’t think I’ve ever seen him fanboy quite so much.

If you walk just a few paces beyond the bakery at Abbotsford Convent, you’ll come to the expansive room that was once the dining hall for nuns. It’s now St Heliers Street Store & Gallery, run by Cam who happens to be the nephew of the Convent’s publican, Handsome Steve.
I visited St Heliers with a group of friends for the opening night of Richard Denny’s exhibition ‘Tea with the Fat Badger’. Given it was opening night we enjoyed certain advantages (namely free Moet) that made me fall just a little bit more in love with Cam’s set up than is healthy. The exhibition space is airy and open owing to the enormous windows and super high ceiling. Why did the nuns need so much space to eat?! The shop area at the top end of the hall is equally as spacious with a few tables spread around (including a couple outside overlooking the courtyard).
Although the usual menu wasn’t available (who wants coffee when there’s free Champagne?) I had a chat to Cam about what he usually offers, and was delighted to discover there is milkshakes on the menu, along with ice cream and of course kick-​arse coffee. Aside from the pieces being exhibited, there’s also work of other Convent artists available and you can pick up basic essentials you may need on your day out at the Convent, like replacement batteries for your camera and sunscreen — not only is St Heliers a lovely space, it’s providing essential services for both the artists and visitors alike.
UPDATE: I’ve been back and sampled the chocolate milkshake. Damn good stuff.