The bookworm, one of the most famous places, definitely deserves a place in our blog.
Let’s focus on this bookshop-bar-restaurant-concert-hall-unvoidable-meeting-point in Chengdu
History
The Bookworm was born some five years ago into humble surroundings.
Its founder, Alexandra Pearson, was running a one-woman outfit in a modest courtyard where she not only managed a small library and put on low-key events, but also handled the restaurant side of things herself. The library had a meagre collection of 2,000 books – mainly biographies and non-fiction – that Alexandra had actually collated for another venture back in 1998…but that’s another story.
One day in 2003, a curious journalist walked in to have a look around and almost immediately became member number 2. He soon fell under The Bookworm’s enchanting spell and found himself lending a hand around the place; planting daisies in the courtyard, reshelving the books as they grew in number. Three years later, that journalist was to become The Bookworm’s Business Partner and Co-owner, and open The Chengdu Bookworm, and then The Suzhou Bookworm the following year. He is none other than Peter Goff, and today you’re as likely to find him writing the quirky questions for Chengdu’s quiz night as moderating a talk by a celebrated scribe in Suzhou.
The Beijing Bookworm still retains its original charm even though it has grown and now dwells in a much bigger habitat. It now has over 2500 members, with Chengdu at 800 and Suzhou at a rapidly growing 300. The Bookworm on The Bridge (Suzhou) and The Bookworm at The Yin Yang Centre (Beijing) have also recently opened their doors, so keep an eye on the site for details of all our new locations.Click on the links below to go the websites of the Chengdu and Suzhou Bookworms.
Drink And food
Wine Club
On the third Thursday of each month, you’ll find a cluster of people at The Bookworm admiring legs, inhaling bouquets, and gargling with various hues of ruby. Of course, some of them will be just plain old drinking the wine. The highly revered connoisseurs from ASC Fine Wines will talk you through each wine and its merits, and teach you to recognise grapes, years and châteaux. Very informative and the perfect opportunity to restock your cellar.
Dining
The Bookworm continues to attract gastronomes and casual diners alike. Our no-nonsense menu is tasty and wholesome, freshly prepared to your liking by our team of expert chefs. Sumptuous three-course meals, creative salads, tempting sandwiches, hearty pasta dishes, seasonal specials, Grandmother’s secret recipes, Chef’s recommendations, seductive sweets…is your mouth watering yet?
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Wining
Reading is thirsty work and we don’t want you getting parched among the parchments. The Bookworm bar staff are on hand to proffer your desired elixir as you continue turning the pages. Frothy cappuccino, strong espresso, refreshing tea, multicoloured cocktails, cold beer, fruity shakes, full-bodied reds, crisp whites, chilled bubbles for those unexpected celebrations…now, what can we get you?
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Lending Library
Membership Details
New Members:
Individual 6-month membership: 200RMB
Individual 1-year membership: 300RMB
Family 1-year membership: 500RMB
Membership Extensions:
Individual 6-month membership : 150RMB
Individual 1-year membership: 250RMB
Family 1-year membership: 500RMB
Borrowing Terms:
Individual members: Two books for up to two weeks
Family members: Up to six books for two weeks
