Not too long ago, the beloved Times Bookstore and Epigram Books shut their last physical stores for good within four months of each other – but we refuse to believe that Singapore’s book scene is meeting its demise. We recently chanced upon Book Bar, an underrated bookstore-café in the Tanjong Pagar area that quietly opened in 2023, and it’s cosy spaces like these that give us hope in such times.
Book Bar is not to be confused with Littered with Books, a much older and thus more well-known bookstore along the same row of shophouses.
We don’t just love Book Bar because it’s independently run by a passionate bookworm. It’s also an establishment with a deliberate focus on SingLit authors and Asian writers from around the region. All the more reason to support it.
Though not by any means elaborately decorated, the book café exudes a homely, unpretentious feel, with chill music playing softly in the background – the perfect environment to sit down and pore over a good title you’ve just bought off the shelves. But even if you’re not here for a read of fiction, history, or self-help, you’re welcome to grab a table and order some tea ($6.50), prosecco ($10), or an ice cream float ($8).
Pair those with some French toast (from $17.90), sandwiches ($11.90), and freshly baked earl grey scones. Lunch, settled.
It was practically empty when we popped by on a rainy Saturday at 1pm, so this could be your new go-to for quiet work-from-café sessions – away from the more crowded spots in the area.
Do also keep an eye on the bookstore’s roster of literary events via Instagram – the space often plays host to book launches, poetry readings, insightful author sharing sessions and more.
Book Bar is located at 57 Duxton Road, within short walking distance of both Tanjong Pagar and Maxwell MRT stations. Visit its website and online store here.
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