Eat and read
Angela Purnell is the brains behind Books & Nooks. It all started like this. She was doing some publicity work with the Observatory Hotel; indeed, she developed the high teas served in my favourite bar in Sydney, the Globe Bar in that hotel. If you’ve been to the Globe, you’ll know it has comfortable armchairs and the walls are lined with books. Ms Purnell was sitting and thinking alone in the bar, and she thought, “Wouldn’t it be a great idea to get a group together who appreciate good food and books to talk about the books and enjoy the food.” Eureka. So now, with support from publishers Murdoch and Penguin, this is what happens. You buy a package that includes a book and a meal or a high tea at places like the Ampersand Café and Bookstore (78 Oxford Street Paddington, Ph 9380 6617) and the Victoria Room (Level 1 235 Victoria Street Darlinghurst, Ph 9357 4488) — more to come — and a book. The book plops into your mailbox, you read it and turn up for the meal either with the author — the bigger events — or with a bookish host — the cosy events — and eat and talk about books. First up is A Life in Frocks with author Kelly Doust at a glam high tea at The Victoria Room (pictured). And more to come. It’s like a book club with good food. Go to the website for all details www.booksandnooks.com.au
