English books in Cologne's Altstadt
Remember when buying books was about the books, and not the cafe, the bright lighting, sofa's, the wafted smell of coffee and endless nik-naks? I do - which is why I really like the newly relocated English Books and Tea. The first thing that will impress you is its location in the Altstadt - probably the most beautiful part of Cologne - but a part that one only tends to visit for a quick stroll when friends come to visit. Well now there is a reason to go - and it's a good one. Shelves and shelves of both new and second hand books, a view onto the prettiest square in Cologne, and seating by the windows where you can sip a cup of tea, browse you purchases - or potential purchases - or just sit and chat to the amiable owner Christian Potter. It's the perfect place to buy your Christmas books: with a wide selection of the latest releases, fiction, non-fiction and children's books, a huge selection of second hand books, plus board games that come highly recommended. If you don't find what you're looking for you can place an order and expect to see it delivered within a week/max. two weeks. The shop also hosts book discussion groups and games evenings - and has its own little community, which warmly welcomes new arrivals. I defy you to leave without buying something - even in its old location on Ritterstrasse - which had decidedly less charm and was tucked out of the way near Hansaring - Christian always managed to interest me in a book I couldn't resist buying. I strongly recommend a visit - and might well bump into you there doing my Christmas book shopping.
English Books and Tea, Auf dem Rothenberg 9a, 50667 Cologne
www.english-books-and-tea.de
Foyles!
So sorry - I edited the bit about Foyles out as I thought I might have been waffling and not talking about English Books and Tea enough! Don't worry - there are armchairs at Engish Books and Tea - and they have a view on the gorgeous square behind the shop. Really can't recommend this place enough - party because of the books - but also because the shop is just so "nice" and it's so great to be able to shop in the Altstadt. Check out the Heimzelmännchen Christmas Market while you're down that way.
Ooh, I remember Foyles. I
Ooh, I remember Foyles. I love books with a passion, but at Foyles I learned there can be too much of a good thing with respect to books, too.
It's sad how in the UK these days most shops seem to be part of chains, but I do like sofas in a book shop, so if that's something that came with the chains, that's fine by me. :D
I love the idea of books and tea, and will definitely check it out ASAP, but I do hope that they have that new-fangled bookshop feature of sofas, as I wouldn't much like to stand around balancing a cup of tea in one hand and a book in the other... ;)
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