cafe-bookshop in Sydney: a great fusion

In the 1700s there were heaps of literary cafes in Paris alone. These cafés helped patrons sit with a hot drink, discussing politics or economics. But when I heard of Ampersand in Sydney, I still had to ask what is the purpose of a book cafe? Library cafes serve as a social hub for the community, providing a space where people can meet and connect over a shared love of books, coffee and discussion. By blending the 2 purposes, these hybrid spaces create an environment that encourages both social interaction and quiet reflection. The café-bookstore concept isn't new, but it has gained serious drive in recent years in cities. 

Very modest front of Ampersand Cafe and Bookshop, Sydney

Time Out 

Sydney’s Ampersand Café & Bookstore is widely recognised for a good reason. Ampersand has been open since June 2007 and since then Oxford St in Paddington has seen many changes; the retailers then were struggling financially. In Oxford St, this literary haven has earned global respect. Ranked 11th in the world’s most likable bookstores in 2023, the shop has 30,000 books spread over 3 floors. Its collection spans all major genres alongside rare and collectible second-hand finds. The bookstore is laden with literary gems and genres ranging from popular fiction, crime, history, war, journalism and more sold at affordable prices. Amble through a special vintage and collectibles section with rare and hard-to-find gems stowed away for the bookish.

Visitors can enjoy coffee in a cosy armchair, or in the bright sunlight of their laneway seating. Inside there’s bench seating towards the front, al fresco seating to the side, and tables and chairs in most corners of the bookshop. But the entrance is modest, presumably promising the ultimate book lover’s hideaway in Sydney.

The best bookshops are both cosy and quirky, familiar yet surprising. Sydney has a wealth of literary gems for book lovers including stunning libraries with comfy nooks and even a highlands town lined with bookshops, Bowral. While there are plenty of excellent cafes in Sydney, cafes with book shops that provide people with a place somewhat more enriching. When thinking of a quaint space in town to while away the hours with stacks of books reaching the ceiling, recommend Paddington’s community treasure.

Ampersand is spread across three storeys, giving ample places to sit and read, and 30,000+ used books covering everything from popular fiction to history. And there’s a special area dedicated to rare, collectible titles. The character-filled spot features a cosy vibe that makes the space feel eclectic and inviting. The fusion of tasteful furnishings gives an aesthetically pleasing air.

One storey of book shelves and reading space

Brasserie

For me, there are 4 things that help in life: chilled white wine, espresso coffee, beaming sunshine and books. So the fusion of coffee and books felt perfect. Café-bookstore fusions have aptly popped up in cities globally, becoming a popular destination for book fans, students, home-workers. More people are happy to work from remotely home these days, but home can feel too quiet or too distracting. A café-bookstore offers the perfect middle ground: a space to be productive AND for browsing breaks.

This site in Sydney has clearly become an important community hub. In this big city (5.5 mill), where life can feel fast-paced and disconnected, these spaces offer a much-needed spot for people to slow down, connect and engage with others. Café-bookstores can host events like book signings, poetry readings and open mike nights.

Spaces in a café-bookstore often feature comfy chairs, wooden tab-les and soft welcoming lighting, giving a atmosphere with a focus on comfort, perfect for a creative afternoon. They offer free Wi-Fi, board games and local art displays, adding to the charm.

The combination of a relaxed environment for working or studying, free Wi-Fi and easy access to coffee helps people focus. Whether writing an essay, writing a novel, or brainstorming ideas for the next big project, it works.

NB many café-bookstores are independently owned. In an age when big shops and online retailers dominate, café-books offer an alternative gathering place to locals. Many pride themselves on offering a curated selection of books, focusing on local authors, niche genres or small publishers that might not be in large chain stores. Similarly many café-bookstores partner with local roasters, bakers and artisans to offer fresh, quality food, supporting small businesses.

In Sydney students studying for exams, freelancers working on projects, friends catching up over coffee, and book fans browsing the shelves. The diverse crowd makes Ampersand feel vibrant and relaxed; a meeting point for people of all ages and families.

One interesting aspect of café-bookstore hybrids can now blend both the digital and physical worlds, embracing technology and allowing customers to enjoy the best of both worlds. Some café-bookstores offer digital reading options, like e-books or audiobooks, through partnerships with digital platforms. This combination of digital and physical also extends to how customers re food: many spaces offer mobile ordering, loyalty apps and online menus.

In addition to its impressive book collection, Ampersand offers a hearty menu that complements the literary atmosphere. Note that although I don’t eat meat, the cafe serves an extensive menu of fresh homemade meals, hearty pies, salads, slow-cooked beef pappardelle pasta and Turkish-inspired labneh eggs that are excellent. Ampersand also has some delicious baked treats on offer including croissants, muffins, bagels and cakes.   

 

Food and drinks on a separate table

goop

See unique second handbooks: literature, art & design, photography, travel writing, biography, fiction, popular crime, history, war, journalism. A children's and young adults section caters well. Browse the vintage and collectibles section to find interesting, hard-to-find books. And Ampersand’s buyer comes to the shop twice a week to buy some of customers' books, IF in saleable condition.

Ampersand has recently earned a coveted spot among the world’s best bookshop cafes, beating popular cities after 200,000+ votes were tallied:

1. Minoa Pera — Istanbul, Turkey
2. The Used Book Café at Merci — Paris, France
3. Halle Saint-Pierre — Paris, France
4. Péniche L’Eau et les Rêves — Paris, France
5. Cafebrería El Péndulo Polanco — Mexico City, Mexico
6. Ampersand Café & Bookstore — Sydney, Australia*
7. Ler Devagar — Lisbon, Portugal
8. Maison Assouline — London, UK
9. Bibliotheque NYC — New York City, USA
10. Livraria Funambule — Petrópolis, Brazil

Chestnut Tree Bookshop & Cafe, W. Footscray,Vic

It supports local schools & the neighbourhood house and supports environmental initiatives.

australiantraveller