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Berkelouw Books- The Destination Book Shop

Book shops have something alluring about them. In our world of kindles and computers you must admit books are now a rather archaic way of getting your daily literary hit. I associate books with holidays, the only time I really ever get to read one! Half the challenge is finding the time to discover a new book you actually want to read. I guess that’s why MasterCard have teamed up with Berkelouw Books in Paddington as part of their Priceless Sydney and Locally Famous campaign. MasterCard cardholders are invited to experience an intimate evening of wine, food and books at this Oxford Street institution. And the best part? Owners Robert and David Berkelouw will personally curate a selection of books to tantalise your literary tastes.

When Ms Darlinghurst asked me what books I liked to read, I didn’t think anything of it at the time, declaring my love for all things art and travel. When I arrived at Berkelouw Books there was an array of interesting hard backs tailored to suit my taste placed on my table. I was now amongst the company of Salvador Dali, Cy Twombly and Georgia O’Keeffe. A menu with all my favourite early evening delights was also on the table, by mind and taste buds were in for a treat.

Listening to the most incredible young lady singing jazz and ripping covers, I joined owner, Robert Berkelouw, for a glass of vino. We talked about how the book store concept has evolved over time and how in the early 1800’s book stores began opening near the salons and European coffee houses as a means of sharing political and cultural ideas. Then of course consumerism came along and out popped shops like Boarders and Dymocks which were to change the role of the book store and dominate for years. Now as consumers we are looking for more of an experience. For a book shop to survive in this climate, they need to be more than a book shop. They need to be a destination. That’s why they recently revamped the shop to include the new CAFÉ1812.

Berkelouw Books hosts a wide range of creative events from writers talks to book club meetings, lunches and even community cocktail parties. Berkelouw have even got their own wine. The Bendooley Vinyard Chardonnay is from their Southern Highlands chapter. The Book Barn in Berima is home to scores of bookshelves housing thousands of new, secondhand, rare and antiquarian books. Not only this, but it now houses a restaurant and cellar door which is where this Berkelouw Chardonnay was born…and here it is in my glass! Delish!
Add Berkelouw to your list of places to visit or re-visit. It’s the perfect place for a chat, coffee or wine. Don’t forget to pick up a beautiful book while you’re there.

    

Competition

As part of MasterCard’s Locally Famous campaign we are offering one reader an intimate evening for two full of wine, food and books at Berkelouw’s flagship store on Oxford Street in Paddington. Robert and David Berkelouw will curate a selection of books to tantalise your literary tastes, while you feast on fine food and wine and listen to the soothing sounds of jazz. This is usually valued at $120 for 2 people ($60 per person) includes food, wine and access to the Berkelouw brothers on the evening.
To enter, tell us in 25 words or less your favourite book and why. Most creative answer wins. Write your answers in the comments section below. Winner notified Wednesday 6th November.