Meet Our Partners: Madeleine de Proust

Market Lane Coffee: Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and your history leading up to the opening of Madeleine de Proust?
 

Madeleine de Proust: Certainly! Our journey with Madeleine de Proust began in London. Both of us share a deep passion for the culinary arts, and we happen to be trained chefs. During our time in London, we often spent our precious days off exploring various bakeries and patisseries. These culinary adventures sparked a dream within us – the dream of one day owning our own bakery or patisserie.

After years of gaining invaluable experience in the culinary industry, from our roles in various kitchens to working alongside talented chefs, we felt the time was right to turn our dream into a reality. We wanted to create a space where we could channel our creativity and share our love for pastry with the world. This shared vision and the desire to craft exceptional madeleines led us to take the brave step of opening Madeleine de Proust. It's been an incredible journey, and we're thrilled to bring the joy of our madeleines to our customers.

Why Madeleines? It’s such a unique thing to specialise in.
 

Madeleines have always held a special place in Ju's heart, and they carry a unique significance for both of us. They're not just a pastry; they are a vessel of nostalgia, evoking cherished memories of the past. Ju's very first experience with baking was with madeleines, and that sweet memory has stayed with us throughout our culinary journey.

We wanted to share the joy and nostalgia that madeleines bring, not only to us but to anyone who indulges in them. By specialising in madeleines, we can pour all our passion and expertise into perfecting this single, unique pastry. We believe that by focusing on this delicate and distinctive treat, we can ensure that every bite of our madeleines becomes a moment of pure delight for our customers. Madeleines are not just a pastry for us; they are a journey back in time, a taste of tradition, and a symbol of the love we have for our craft.

The shop is such a beautiful space. How did the design come together?
 

We collaborated with IF Architecture, a team renowned for their innovative approach (they also designed Baker Bleu). We drew inspiration from the classic corner shops, tuck shops and beloved milk bars that were once an integral part of Australian neighbourhoods. These places were not just stores but vibrant hubs of excitement, where children and adults alike gazed at colourful sweets displayed behind glass counters.

We aimed to recreate that sense of delight, wonder and nostalgia while infusing it with a modern twist. Together with the team at IF, we recontextualised classic design elements from the milk bar era, blending them seamlessly into a contemporary setting. The result is a space that pays homage to the past while embracing the present.

Who are some of the people or businesses who inspired you when you were starting out, and who inspires you today?
 

When we embarked on this journey, our inspiration was drawn from a diverse range of sources. We found inspiration in the creations of renowned pastry chefs like Cedric Grolet, Pierre Hermé, and Ramon Morató, whose innovative approaches to pastry-making pushed boundaries and redefined the art of desserts. For Ju, her former Executive Head Pastry Chef at The Langham, London, Andrew Gravett, played a pivotal role in shaping her culinary expertise and passion for pastry. His mentorship and guidance left an indelible mark on her journey.

Additionally, we were inspired by local artisanal businesses that, like us, are deeply committed to upholding the values of quality and craftsmanship. Market Lane Coffee is one of those businesses! Just as we’re dedicated to crafting exceptional madeleines, Market Lane is equally passionate about the art of coffee. So, we couldn’t be more excited about this partnership, as it allows us to offer our customers the perfect coffee pairing to complement the flavours of our madeleines, elevating their overall experience.

What excites you the most about the work you do?
 

The most exciting part of our work is the joy we bring to our customers. We love creating madeleines that become a part of people’s special moments and celebrations. Seeing the smiles and happiness our madeleines bring is the greatest reward and motivation for us to continually innovate and perfect our craft.

What’s your personal daily coffee ritual?

Our daily coffee ritual usually starts with grinding fresh coffee beans. We love the aroma that fills the shop! Then Ju starts with a long black with a dash of milk, taking a moment to savour that first sip before diving into the day's tasks.

What are your future plans or dreams for Madeleine de Proust?

Moving forwards, we envision expanding our range of madeleines to include even more unique flavours and designs, and exploring opportunities for collaboration with other talented chefs and artisans. Ultimately, we want to keep innovating and creating delicious treats, delightful experiences and special memories for our customers.