There is a certain charm etched within a bookstore. There’s no doubt it’s the perfect escape on a cold winter’s day, or from the busy Sydney crowds outside. As Neil Gaiman once put it ‘A town isn’t a town without a bookstore’ and how right was he? I set out on a mission, to find Sydney’s best bookstores with a twist. Latte in hand, camera in the other I was ready.
Sappho Wine Bar & Bookstore
I headed to Glebe where I stumbled upon Sappho Wine Bar and Bookstore. The name of this groovy downtown place already made my heart skip a beat, as it was everything you’d want from a place. The storefront doesn’t look like much from busy Glebe Point Road but heading inside, boy was I surprised. The timber lined book shelves are filled with used books from every category imaginable. As I wandered from art to fiction, I came across a staircase leading me to records, sheet music and philosophy books. The range is incredible – not to mention the perfectly labelled areas. The set up is in a vintage terrace style home, so I felt as if I was walking through history itself.
I headed back downstairs to check out the laneway wine bar and café. A secret Sydney gem for sure. The exposed brick corridor with hanging plants and quirky chandeliers made for a relaxed ambiance. The beauty of a place such as Sappho, is that they have something for everyone of all ages. Every Tuesday there is a rotation of poetry and open mic nights, with local bands playing during the week. The café is full of charm and even offers a vegan menu. I recommend the house brewed chai – perfectly matched with a good book.
51 Glebe Point Rd, Sydney NSW 2037 | www.sapphobooks.com.au
Elizabeth’s Bookstore
Heading further down the road I hit King Street, in nifty Newtown. I’d heard of Elizabeth’s Bookstore, the original home of the ‘Blind Date with a Book’ – a truly brilliant idea. The front store’s shelf entices you with brown paper wrapped books. In bold black ink a few sentences outline the book’s contents. The rest lies in your hands. Who will you pick? Will you love or hate this mysterious novel? It’s a dashing idea if you ask me.
257 King St, Newtown NSW 2042 | www.elizabethsbookshop.com.au
Gertrude & Alice
Co-founder Katerina Cosgrove always dreamt of combining her two loves – books and good food – therefore creating Gertrude & Alice. A space in which people can come together to celebrate these simple joys. Get hopelessly lost in an amazing abundance of books or simply surround yourself in this Parisian inspired space with a cup of ‘Alice’s famous chai’. Oui!
46 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026 | www.gertrudeandalice.com.au
Ampersand Cafe and Bookstore
I also love this beaut Paddington cafe. Brunch? Books? I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday (or any day of the week, if you ask me). Oh, and the breakfast bowl is perfectly paired with a good read. How’s the serenity?
78 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021 | www.cafebookshop.com.au
You may argue that Kindle’s and iPad’s are taking over the classic novel, but I promise bookstores are here to stay. After all there’s so much more than pages to entice you.
– Caitlin
When she’s not globetrotting, Caitlin Martin loves to scope out Sydney’s hidden gems, with a camera and coffee in hand. Follow her adventures @caitlineliseeee
