Decision details

Executive Summary

Café Monico was founded in 1877 by brothers Giacomo and Battista Monico who emigrated from the Swiss canton of Ticino. The Café soon became an institution within central London, famous for its fashionable interior and French style dining.

The magnificent Shaftesbury Avenue façade formed an important part of the wider Piccadilly Circus setting and the corner of Piccadilly Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue and became known as ‘Monico’s Corner’.

Giacomo and Battista Monico were two of many immigrants from Ticino who established themselves as restaurateurs, chefs, waiters and entrepreneurs in London, thereby promoting the cultural and gastronomic scene of the city. In this context, Café Monico can be regarded as representative of the distinct contributions that immigrants from Ticino made to cultural life in Westminster from the 19th century onwards.

The proposed wording is:

Café Monico

Once stood adjacent to this site

Founded in 1877 by Giacomo & Battista Monico from Ticino, Switzerland

Famous for its fashionable interior & fine cuisine

Recommendation

That the nomination for a Westminster Commemorative Green Plaque to Café Monico at 11-17 Shaftesbury Avenue is approved.

Reasons for decision

The nomination is supported by the independent Green Plaque panel who believe the contribution of the Ticinese community to the gastronomic life of London is an important one that deserves to be marked