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

Photos

The Book Lounge by null
The Book Lounge by onthegrid.city
The Book Lounge by onthegrid.city
The Book Lounge by onthegrid.city
The Book Lounge by onthegrid.city
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
Placeholder
Placeholder

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

booklounge.co.za
@booklounge

Information

Static Map

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

+27 21 462 2425
booklounge.co.za
@booklounge
𝕏
@book_lounge

Features

Tap to pay

Last updated

Oct 8, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@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
View Postcard for The Book Lounge
@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
View Postcard for The Book Lounge
@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
View Postcard for The Book Lounge

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. 🤍

Andre Le Roux

Google
Great and eclectic variety of books. Some staff were friendly others seemed bored. But the books made this a pleasant experience.

Dylan Valley

Google
Great selection and friendly staff. Lovely cafe and children’s section downstairs. Lots of progressive books. Pro Palestine. Nothing not to like. A must visit shop.

Maleeba Mwatsikesimbe

Google
The Book Lounge – A Sanctuary for Story Lovers Tucked into the heart of Cape Town, The Book Lounge is more than just a bookstore—it’s a haven for thinkers, dreamers, and community builders. I’ve had the joy of attending their Tuesday evening book readings, and each one feels like a gentle unfolding of minds and hearts. Atmosphere & Ambiance The space is beautifully curated—inviting, intimate, and quietly inspiring. Whether you're browsing shelves or settling in for a reading, there’s a sense of reverence for words and the people who carry them. Tuesday Readings These evenings are a highlight of my week. Thought-provoking authors, rich conversations, and a room full of engaged listeners make it feel like a sacred ritual of connection. It’s where literature meets legacy. Staff & Service The team at The Book Lounge are phenomenal—knowledgeable, warm, and always ready to help you discover your next favorite read. Their passion for books and people is woven into every interaction. Why It Matters In a world that moves fast, The Book Lounge offers a pause. It’s a place where stories are honored, voices are amplified, and community is built—one page at a time.

Mandy Waddington

Google
Phenomenal Service, placed the order late on a Monday and book delivered early on the Tuesday with all communication happening on WhatsApp making it so convenient. What a pleasure, will definitely buy again from you.

marc frederic

Google
A beautiful bookshop with a wide variety of fiction books, from classics to contemporary all under one roof. Friendly staff and by stepping out you get to see the most beautiful view of table mountain.

Milo

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.