What was once Bugden’s Bookshop is now a secondhand books, vinyl records and vintage fashion boutique run by Tom Hespe and Tamara Kennedy. Every single item is unique and all of it is lovingly curated.
Tom and Tamara, what made you want to set up shop in the Cross?
Tom: I used to come into Bugden’s Bookshop all the time and got to know the previous owner. One day I saw a ‘For Sale’ sign up, out of the blue. Tamara was working in the corporate world at the time but she’d always been drawn to the creative and vintage [worlds]. I asked her how she felt about taking it over and building on what was here. We were both ready to make a change, so we decided to take the plunge. Plus, books are in my blood; my grandmother used to run Mary Martin’s bookshop in Melbourne, and my grandfather had wall-to-wall bookshelves in his study.
What can people expect when they come into Grand Days?
Tamara: A little bit of magic. Every single item is unique, only available here and all of it is lovingly curated. It’s eclectic, like the area. There are books, records, vintage clothes and accessories and we’ve put thought into everything in the space. In these days of online searching and algorithms, it is rare to find something serendipitously. Tom: We want people to be able to explore the world of literature, fashion, music and ideas when they come in. People might find a copy of a favourite book, a record they’ve been searching for or pick up a new (old) dress.
Who do you get coming into the shop?
Tom: As you can imagine we get people from all walks of life coming through, which reflects the area that we’re in really. There’s crate diggers, book lovers, fashionistas, school kids – all sorts.
Tamara: Lots of tourists notice us as they’re walking past on William Street and come in to check it out. Then, of course, there’s the locals and our dear regulars, who like to stick around for a chat a lot of the time.
Kings Cross has been through many incarnations over the years. How do you see the area now?
Tom: It’s always been a real melting pot, very cosmopolitan. It’s full of artists and bohemians, from the ultra rich and the down and out. Walking down the street you’ll pass someone who’s very old money and dressed up to the nines, and then in the next moment you’ll see a drag queen, then a group of backpackers. That’s part of its charm. There’s still an intellectual and creative underbelly despite the ongoing changes. And it really is a little village, which is rare these days. It has everything you need.
Tell us about the events you run.
Tamara: We applied for a nighttime activation grant through the City of Sydney last year and with that funding we’ve been able to set up monthly Grand Nights events. For us, it’s a chance to build on the things that we’re passionate about and invite a group of people into the shop for something special. We set up a stage where the counter usually is and have candles. It’s very intimate. So far we’ve had legendary Flamenco singer Antonio Soria and a set from Leah Flanagan. In March we had a scarf tying session with Brad McGlashen from Skarfe, which is a gorgeous shop nearby. Next up is author Frank Moorhouse, whose book Grand Days gave us the name of our shop. It’s something we’ve been dreaming about for a long time. We’re also planning film screenings for later in the year.
What are your go-to dinner joints?
Tom: Bang-Tang makes really good, unpretentious food. We go there quite a bit, and we’ve used them for events in the past.
Tamara: There’s Pizza Boccone on Llankelly Place. If the weather gods are kind, it’s nice to sit outside and watch the crowds go past. Our favourite Japanese place is Kujin over in Elizabeth Bay.
Where do you like to head for a drink after dark?
Tamara: Jangling Jacks is a favourite. They have a mean drinks list, and they do food until late as well. On the Golden Mile, Dulcie’s has opened up in an old strip club. You go down the stairs and into this den-like cocktail bar. They’ve even kept a small stage in there from its previous glory days, which is used for events sometimes. It’s nice to go to Kings Cross Hotel and have a beer on the balcony as the sun is going down. And the Old Fitz down the road is always a safe bet.
Any other nighttime gems?
Tom: El Rocco is just around the corner from us, and they do live music and comedy throughout the week. There’s often live sets at the Kings Cross Hotel, and the Kings X Theatre operates out of there as well. As far as live music goes, there are great opportunities for live music venues in the Cross; the key is support from audiences as well as the authorities.
