Shingle Inn History

The historic Shingle Inn, Edward Street, Brisbane was built by David Webster and Sons amidst the horrific depression of the 1930's. The Managing Director at the time was W.R Webster, a son of David Webster, the founder of Webster Cake and Biscuit Company of the 1890 era.

W.R. Webster was determined to construct an elegant English style teahouse and restaurant, to be the pride of Brisbane, insisting on quality materials and exceptional products.

In the early 1970's Shingle Inn faced abandonment due to the acquisition of the Webster family company by an overseas firm who had little concern for the standing and reputation of this Queensland landmark. Fortunately W.R.Webster's nephew Noel was still involved in the Canadian Company operating Webster Biscuit Company and had several years earlier become associated with Noel and Barbara Bellchambers through their acquisition of another Webster family café, Renoir, located in Albert Street Brisbane.

After brief negotiation, Noel and Barbara Bellchambers took over Shingle Inn in 1975, maintaining staff and food standards in accordance with Shingle Inn's distinguished history.

With careful rejuvenation of the bakery café, remaining true to the provision of cakes, pastries and biscuits of exceptional quality, the word of Shingle Inn's unique and wonderful experience spread from one generation to the next and, still today, it is not unusual to have third generation customers who were introduced to Shingle Inn by a grandparent.

In 1996, Shingle Inn was provisionally listed by the Queensland Heritage Council.

With pressures of inner-city building redevelopment Shingle Inn was forced to dismantle the original store in August 2002 from the site where Queens Plaza stands today. In August 2004 the Queensland Heritage Council resolved to permanently remove Shingle Inn from the Queensland Heritage Register.

Throughout this period, the Bellchambers family sought to retain the much-loved concept as well as the livelihood of their loyal staff by expanding Shingle Inn via a more contemporary version of the opulent 1930s teahouse.

Luxurious high-back chairs, warm rich colours and lavish lamps are components of the family owned group of iconic cafés that continue to serve decadent cakes and mouth-watering desserts created from original recipes and hand-made with the finest quality ingredients.

The Bellchambers' sons, Peter and Andrew, now at the helm of the company, pride themselves on maintaining the tradition of constructing stores with undeniable character, quality décor and providing the highest quality food, cakes and coffee!