The Book Lounge

Book store · City Bowl

The Book Lounge

Book store · City Bowl

3

Cnr Buitenkant &, 71 Roeland St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

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The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by null

Highlights

Independent bookstore with diverse genres, author events, coffee  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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Cnr Buitenkant &, 71 Roeland St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Get directions

booklounge.co.za

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Cnr Buitenkant &, 71 Roeland St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Get directions

+27 21 462 2425
booklounge.co.za
Booklounge

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Last updated

Aug 15, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : The Book Lounge

"The Book Lounge is a glorious little independent book store, bang on the corner of busy Roeland Street. Housed in a row of beautiful historical buildings, it is a must visit for any book lover. Once inside, a fantastic selection of good reads await you, as well as the odd comfy sofa dotted around for your leisurely convenience. Downstairs in the basement you are even able to grab a coffee and a small bite to eat. As well as being the purveyors of fine reading material, the Book Lounge is also the host to numerous literary events such as book launches and author interviews." - Infestation

https://onthegrid.city/cape-town/east-city-precinct/the-book-lounge
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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Gardens Collectors Club

"The staff has all the sass you could ever need. “Oh you want to take photos, we have a a gorgeous barman!” It’s true. Aside from that, the open seating outside is welcoming and has an easy feeling, like you could get comfortable. Upstairs is more cosy with darker walls and eccentric but tasteful decoration. The food is big: Big burgers, big milkshakes and beer on tap. You can’t go wrong." - Yellow Door Collective

https://onthegrid.city/cape-town/long-street-gardens/gardens-collectors-club
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@cntraveler

The Ups and Downs of Being an Independent Bookseller During the Pandemic

"In Cape Town, Book Lounge owner Mervyn Sloman expresses gratitude to his customers for supporting his bookstore. When the first lockdown occurred in March, he sent customers a message requesting their support."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-ups-and-downs-of-being-an-independent-bookseller-during-the-pandemic
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jemmie “Dove” chinje

Google
The staff was so patient and helpful when asking for different book recommendations and they are also more than willing to order books on your behalf, Such a great environment and I was happy to find out that there is a small coffee and tea shop downstairs! 🤍 I also loved the complementary book mark. Would defs recommend. 🤍

AA

Google
An enthralling discovery in the heart of the city center! This delightful corner bookshop is thoughtfully designed with a lovely open space as one enters. The well-curated selection of books will have you stopping and turning in circles indecisively if, like me you are open to any sort of book. My visit to this shop was especially exciting because: • They had a pretty good selection of Murakami including a book I was seeking and was unable to find in several larger bookshops. • They had Yuval Noah Harari’s new book on information and I didn’t even know he had a new book out. Obviously Im a fan of Sapiens so this made my heart skip. • They carry books by Fitzcarraldo publishing! The distinctive blue and white covers of this little London-based publishing house is impossible to find in New York. This shop carries quite a few- an exciting and unexpected discovery. This is an extremely efficient bookshop. I sought a book, I messaged them on WhatsApp, they instantly responded and kept the book for me. That is spectacular service. I am impressed and grateful for the competence and efficiency! As far as human engagement goes, the reception is typical of an independent bookstore, courteous yet not too engaging. This is the demeanor of many booksellers I have encountered in New York, Paris, London, Berlin, Oslo, Auckland. I have never entered a bookstore to hear someone greet me with a cheerful “welcome!”- it would be nice sure but its just not done. I don’t mind it and I certainly don't hold it against the workers. I know Im here to connect with books and not humans. I also know that if I wish to connect with humans, head to your local coffeeshop which is exactly what I did and spent over an hour in a more human-connected space. Remember, your barista is likely to be more open to conversation than your bookseller ✊🏽😂 Most of the booksellers here made eye contact and smiled and thats a huge win in the world of independent booksellers. In conclusion, a remarkable space of enlightenment and discovery. A magical place where one can be transported to any moment of any given period. Possibilities awaits… Ps. I did not try the coffee

Eduardo Bicudo

Google
Excellent bookshop with a large selection of classic literature as well as contemporary, with a large selection of South African authors. The shop is a pleasant place to browse and the people who work there are very knowledgeable. It's my favourite bookshop in downtown Cape Town.

Darryl David

Google
A stunning bookshop with an equally stunning collection of books. What Ikes is to Durban, the Book Lounge is to Cape Town

Matthew Scholtz

Google
Gem of an independent bookshop with an interesting and unique selection of books to get lost in. Staff were helpful and friendly.

Petros Isaakidis (PetrosInCape)

Google
This is a wonderful space for the lovers of books and an institution! The book launches are always exciting, alcohol-accompanied and fun. The staff is knowledgeable, kind and attentive. Love this space

Derek Moore (Weblearning)

Google
The book lounge is a must visit attraction that ranks with the Zeitz MOCAA on Wednesdays and “the mountain”. Entry is free and the range is extensive. Unlike the latter two, the book lounge also has a scheduled “story-time” for children.

B

Google
the bookstore is nice and neat. there is a wonderful variety of books even a lovely children's section. they sell some snacks and drinks. there is some quite nice drawings on the wall which I've attached pictures for. I would revisit and bring others to come browse and shop.