Only one year separates the beginning of two iconic and much loved brands – with 1935 marking the year Monopoly sold its first commercial version and 1936 the year when Shingle Inn opened its first café in Brisbane.
So it is fitting that in Shingle Inn’s 80th anniversary year that its original store, now situated in City Hall, is one of the locations to be featured on Brisbane Monopoly – with all locations announced earlier today.
In April this year Brisbane residents were invited to suggest Brisbane properties via the Brisbane Monopoly Facebook page and Shingle Inn’s loyal customer base were quick to respond with multiple votes.
Owners of the Shingle Inn, the Bellchambers family, say they are honoured to be featured on the Brisbane edition of the world’s most popular board game.
“Shingle Inn is thrilled to be part of a board game that embodies the key landmarks of Brisbane,” Andrew Bellchambers said.
Andrew’s brother Peter Bellchambers explained further: “Shingle Inn has been a part of the city’s heritage and growth for 80 years. With generations of families sharing traditions within our café, and developing lifelong memories as a result, the brand, like Monopoly, has created a special place in the hearts and minds of residents and visitors alike.”
Born in the Autumn of 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression, Shingle Inn is more than just a business; it is a fascinating part of Brisbane’s history with a unique story to share.
From the humble beginnings of one store that stood alone for 66 years has grown a franchise network of 53 cafes throughout Australia in Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and WA.
The iconic Shingle Inn has a place in the heart of many people who grew up and live in Brisbane and many of the decadent, delicious products which have been devoured by so many over the decades – are still produced today, from scratch, by the Shingle Inn bakery located at Capalaba.
On 3 August 2002, the Bellchambers family were forced to close the doors on the beloved Shingle Inn on Edward St due to redevelopment. The city of Brisbane was devastated, so the decision was made to keep the iconic interior in storage until the beloved cafe could be reopened. In a painstaking effort, every detail of the cafe fit-out was catalogued and photographed so when the time came to put the pieces back together, it was possible.
On June 4 2010, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, gifting the original store fit-out to the people of Brisbane, to be restored within another Brisbane icon, City Hall, allowing future generation to experience the history and grandeur of Shingle Inn.
Original components of the salvaged Shingle Inn featured at Brisbane City Hall include: booth tables and seating; timber veneer wall panelling; Shingle cladding and leadlight windows – where the Shingle Inn got its name from; the mock Tudor timberwork, including decorated timber ceiling beams and half timbering to walls; refurbished wall and ceiling mounted light fittings.
ENDS