Kiril Shaginov Mörk Chocolate
Mörk transforms drinking hot chocolate into a ceremony, bringing childhood memories of chocolate alive through flavour, scent and sound. And let’s not forget the Swedish kanelbullar — soft and sticky cinnamon buns, which have somewhat of a cult following!
Co-founder Kiril Shaginov runs Mörk alongside his wife Josefin. What started as a passion project in 2012 has since grown into five stores across Melbourne and operations spanning Australia, the UK, and Japan.
Opening their first store in a 1950s former bakery on Errol Street, North Melbourne, proved a pivotal turning point for their business. It transformed their passion project into something much bigger, and reshaped how Kiril thought about leadership, responsibility, and long-term growth. The business has been built alongside like-minded people, with a team of around 80 people across multiple areas of the business — growing into an institution that is genuinely loved and fostered by the community.
We speak with Kiril about his home in North Melbourne, how the neighbourhood has shaped Mörk’s journey, and how travel plays an integral role in the development of the business.
(Portrait by Kristoffer Paulsen)
Mosey Guide (mg): What is your connection to North Melbourne?
Kiril Shaginov (ks): North Melbourne has been part of my personal and professional life for a long time.
I’ve lived in North Melbourne since 2010 and I still live here today. My kids go to school in the area, and both my office and our chocolate factory are based here.
Our very first wholesale customer was Auction Rooms, which is still a customer today and right here in North Melbourne.
At this point, North Melbourne simply feels like home.
(mg) What does North Melbourne mean to you?
(ks) It represents a strong sense of community and connection to people. It’s a suburb filled with incredible gems and a lot of undiscovered potential. There’s an authenticity to the place that feels increasingly rare.
[North Melbourne] represents a strong sense of community and connection to people ... There’s an authenticity to the place that feels increasingly rare.
(mg) How does being in North Melbourne shape what you do?
(ks) We’ve worked very hard to build a store that feels genuinely loved and cared for by the North Melbourne community. Our Brew House sits at the quieter end of Errol Street, slightly disconnected from the main strip, which gives it a real destination and community feel. We actively support local events and nearby hospitals through various fundraising efforts. The Brew House is now over ten years old and still going strong, largely thanks to the support of locals, past and present.
(mg) What makes North Melbourne different from other places you’ve lived or worked?
(ks) It has a strong village feel. Compared to other inner city suburbs, it feels less overdeveloped, with historic buildings preserved rather than replaced. The community is supportive and people genuinely look out for one another. It’s also culturally diverse and rich, which adds to its character.
(mg) What does your perfect day in North Melbourne look like?
(ks) Breakfast at Auction Rooms, followed by a stroll through Queen Victoria Market. Simple, familiar and grounding.
(mg) Who are the other makers, creators, or people in the area that inspire you?
(ks) Patricia Coffee has always been a source of inspiration. They are pioneers when it comes to creating moments, meaningful experiences and genuine hospitality.
(mg) What are you working on right now that excites you?
(ks) There are always many projects on the go. Right now, I’m particularly excited about working towards a new venue, while also continuing to grow the business in the UK and Japan. Each market brings its own challenges and opportunities, and that keeps things dynamic and constantly evolving.
The community is supportive and people genuinely look out for one another. It’s also culturally diverse and rich, which adds to its character.
(mg) What is the most memorable trip you’ve taken?
(ks) Visiting Tokyo in 2025 was incredibly inspiring, both personally and professionally. The level of focus, attention to detail and execution of concepts is unbelievable and left a lasting impression.
(mg) Where is your next travel destination?
(ks) I’m looking to travel to cacao origins, to establish direct relationships with farms and bring truly exceptional cacao back to Melbourne.
(mg) How has travel changed the way you see the world?
(ks) Travel has deepened my interest in different cultures, especially through food and its influences. There’s so much out there to explore and learn from. I just wish I had more time to do it all.
(mg) If you could recommend anywhere in the world for a mosey, where would it be?
(ks) London. It’s a boiling pot of cultures and culinary adventures, and a city that rewards slowing down and looking closely.
Travel has deepened my interest in different cultures, especially through food and its influences.
Local knowledge
Favourite local ingredient or product:
Fougasse from Bread Club
What to do beyond Errol Street:
Queen Victoria Market
Favourite shop:
Stranger Than Paradise
Go-to spot to reset or find inspiration:
Royal Park, only a short walk from home and always helps reset perspective.
Neighbourhood must-eats:
Yeonga Korean BBQ
North Melbourne’s best kept secret:
Benchwarmer. An incredible selection of snacks and beers, with absolutely no shortcuts or compromises. The quality speaks for itself.
24 hours in North Melbourne:
Jinda Thai, Embla or Carlton Wine Rooms for food, then finish the day at BYRDI for a cocktail and an unforgettable experience.
