Something’s brewing: Sterling Books opens a cafe!

For sixteen years, Sterling Books has provided Brussels with the kind of bookshop usually seen in feel-good films: a place where you not only buy books, but where you also stick around for a chat, where the person behind the counter is as passionate about novels, poetry or culinary dictionaries as you are.

Lo and behold, the cosy vibe about Sterling Books is about to get even cosier with the imminent opening, inside the very same bookstore, of Sterling Cafe -  the perfect place to have a snack and a coffee in unhurried surroundings, or to meet up with a friend for a catching-up session or to discuss the latest literary finds with a complete stranger. We caught up with manager Liam Moloney, the man decided to pair Keats with quiche.

Liam, what on earth gave you the idea to open a cafe?

Well, we began to think of ways to improve the experience of shopping with us - we want to create an environment of browsing in comfort, with friendly faces and great coffee and cake! We have so many regular customers who visit us each week, we thought it would be lovely if they could have somewhere where they could choose their books, have a chat with like-minded people or just relax with a piping hot cuppa.

Did you take inspiration from the likes of Borders, or are you more after a Black Books feel?

To be fair, we don't really take inspiration from other bookstores - one of the things that we feel makes Sterling unique is that we very much follow our passions - passion for good books, passion for good service, and now passion for making the shop even more of a destination. We always follow our own map, so to speak.

What will be served at Sterling Cafe – just hot / soft drinks and light snacks or a more substantial selection perhaps?

We're still finalising the offer, but needless to say, there'll be coffees, teas, soft drinks and a collection of cakes and snacks.

Ultimately, is the goal to make Sterling a culture hub / literary café?

Of course although, in a way, we already feel that Sterling is a culture hub - more than just a bookshop, it's about the vibe that happens when booksellers and customers get together and talk about the things they are passionate about. 

Any plans for live entertainment? Music, readings…?

We're always on the lookout for exciting and engaging events - either with authors talking about their books, or people who use our space for reading groups, writing groups or just as a place to catch up with friends. People should keep their eyes peeled on both our website and Facebook page for the events we'll be announcing in the coming months. 

Ultimately, what makes Sterling Books different?

The first thing you have to remember is that we're independent. We don't have a head office telling us what books to stock, or where to put them. The books, DVDs, notebooks and cards you see on display at Sterling have been chosen by the staff you talk to; we stock the titles we're really passionate about. Our staff are really bookish - they know their stuff and are always looking to spread their knowledge through recommending books, chatting about literature, as well as posting reviews and pictures on our website. The real difference is in how evangelical our staff are about what they do. It's pretty much, and thoroughly genuine. It's what makes it always a pleasure to come to work in the morning.

So when is the grand opening?

We're looking at an early July launch for the cafe - as soon as we have finalised dates, we'll be sure to let everyone know. At the moment the cafe area is under construction - so there's a little disruption while work is being done. But the shop is open as usual, and all of our sections are there to be browsed!