Six venues for your next book club night in Canberra
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If being well-read is an indicator of taste, Canberra is brimming with the quiet curators of it. Especially with reading experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
From the steady rise of celebrity book clubs to the current demand for in-person connection and shared experiences, book clubs are having a revival – especially in Canberra.
But where can you go for your next in-person meet-up? Somewhere that has cosy vibes, is quiet enough to have discussions, and is open on weekday evenings? These suggestions have all that and more.
Here are six venues for your next book club night in Canberra – offering everything you need as you chit-chat about whatever page-turner has captured your book club’s attention.
Pulp Book Café (Nicholls)
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What better place to hold a book club then in Canberra’s very own book café? Open on Friday evenings from 4.30 pm until 9.30 pm, Pulp Book Café is a cosy venue that’s all about celebrating stories.
With a roaring fire for when the weather gets cold, leather couches and plenty of space to spread out, it’s ideal for book clubs of all sizes.
6/18 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls | pulpbookcafe.com.au
Queenies (Kingston)
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With a beautiful Art Deco-inspired bar that looks straight out of a fantasy novel, Queenies at Kingston isn’t your average neighbourhood bar. Along with the eclectic décor, the menu here is 100 per cent gluten free and includes vegetarian, dairy free and vegan options so everyone will feel welcome.
Open from 4 pm until late seven days a week, take a seat at the bar, perch at one of the high tables or score a spot on the plush velvet lounge to talk about your current read.
26 Giles Street, Kingston | queeniesatkingston.com.au
White Rabbit (City)
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Pay tribute to one of the world’s most well-known authors by booking a table at Canberra’s own Alice in Wonderland themed bar. Open Wednesday to Friday from 4 pm (as well as on the weekend), trust us when we say that this bar will transport you straight to Wonderland.
With a whimsical drinks menu that includes cocktails like The Caterpillar, Tweedle Rum, Absinthe Minded and Carroll Cup (as well as options for mocktails), your book club will leave this venue feeling curiouser and curiouser.
65 Northbourne Avenue, City | whiterabbitroom.com.au
Cicada Bar (City)
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A cocktail lounge that serves a premium selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails, sake, wine and beer and light bar food, Cicada Bar is cosy, elegant and can only accommodate up to 50 people – perfect for intimate conversations.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 pm, make sure to book a table before it fills up; it’s a popular spot for a pre- or post-theatre treat.
Shop 3-4, Constitution Place, 1 Constitution Avenue, City | chairmangroup.com.au/cicada-bar
Devil You Don’t (City)
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For something quiet enough for spirited discussion, Devil You Don’t is a small-capacity subterranean cocktail bar with a capacity of just 25 people.
With moody, red‑and‑black vibes, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a villain’s lair – if the villain has a thing for velvet and brass elements, candlelight and classic cocktails reimagined.
Basement 2/15 Edinburgh Avenue, City | @devil_you_dont
Wine Room (Braddon)
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Rich curved leather banquettes and a curated collection of wine make this Braddon bar an elegant choice for a book club catch-up.
Tucked down a laneway and open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 pm, here the use of recycled timber, exposed brick and black granite creates a sense of luxe cosiness. It’s like being in someone’s living room, but better. And the best part is no one will be left with the dishes…
24 Mort Street, Braddon | wineroom.bar
