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Monaco (Monarch Cakes) first started in 1931 in Lygon St, Carlton by a Jewish family who migrated from Poland. They recreated the Polish treats they had loved back home, so they could share them with their migrant community that was growing in Carlton. They moved their shop to 103 Acland Street, St Kilda 3 years later. There was a growing Jewish community in the area and they felt that being seaside was a dream for many who had come from Poland and had never lived near by the sea. Here they renamed the cake shop Monarch and it has been in this exact spot for 87 years.
Monarch Cakes has been a cherished destination for many generations....once a much loved cake shop for the Jewish community, it has now been widely embraced and attracts people from all over the world. Baking to traditional recipes that have not changed in decades, using only the best local (where possible) ingredients, Monarch has been widely recognised as Melbourne's oldest and most renowned cake shop. In 2013, the Port Phillip council applied for an exemption from the Victorian State Government to enable the laneway next to Monarch to be named Monarch Lane. There was a great deal of petitioning by local residents and the council worked hard to fight for this exemption, on the basis that "Monarch is not just a business, but a community hub"....the exemption was given and for our 80th birthday, we were presented with the honour of "Monarch Lane". It was a very special moment with the opening ceremony attended by councilors, residents, local identities and media. It is the only street in Melbourne named after a business!
Our connection to St Kilda is very strong and we are here to stay....well hopefully! The last few years have been very tough. The tram upgrade, closure of the street to through traffic and the plaza have effected us greatly. The beautiful, small village feel of Acland Street was destroyed by the tram super stop. So much damage was done and to reverse this will be a great challenge. We are thankful to be in the 'Paris end' of Acland Street, where we still feel like we are back in the good old days....but sadly when you walk towards the plaza, the reality hits you in the face. Some days, we feel like it's time to move on, find a new hood, knowing our customers will always seek us out. But we stay, because we are loyal to our local community and realise how valued we are and how much we must stay here for them.
Monarch is a family run business....in practice not just in name...we are 3 generations working here together. The pandemic has been a challenge, but at the same time there were many very special memories made....on occasions like Mother's Day for example, when most were unable to see their families, we were very lucky. I got to work with my mum and my daughters....we are all grateful for that. We do not know what lies ahead and no one can tell when things will return to 'normal' but we will try very hard to be part of the revival of St Kilda. We are extremely passionate about that. We love what we do and we treasure our part in the history of St Kilda. We appreciate our local, loyal customers...they keep us going! Through 18 months of instability and uncertainty, the local St Kilda community has given us the strength to stay open every single day...their thanks, their words of encouragement and their gratitude gave us energy to fight on! St Kilda will be back....you can count on that!
