So beautiful at night! Photo: Kazuri Photography.
Pulp Bookcafe is my local. How lucky am I? Sliding into a seat at Pulp is as comforting and familiar as shrugging out of your work clothes and easing into a pair of cozy slippers at the end of a long day.
My coffee catchups unfold here, so does a monthly brunch with a group of friends. Pulp has hosted community events for us. I have been the first patron to arrive in the morning, and I’ve also been the straggler, snagging a leftover Portuguese tart or cupcake more than once. I love sitting on a comfy chair in front of a crackling fire, yet I also love how many extra people we can squeeze into the ex-church pews that form part of the outside table settings.
Partners in life and in Pulp, Bec and Glenn bring heart and soul to their cafe, and I am proud to count them as my friends. Expect a warm welcome when you walk through those doors. More than likely you will engage in some banter with Bec or experience a moment of Glenn’s humble generosity.
Butter chicken with cumin pilaf, raita and papadams in front of the fire. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
Pulp Bookshop Cafe has grown, expanding beyond its original bookshop cafe concept from its launch two years ago. Glenn, Bec and their family also operate the Manor upstairs, a slick wedding and events venue with a vine-entwined verandah and impressive staircase.
And now this licensed cafe stays open until late on Friday for cozy bistro evenings!
Come to Pulp on a Friday night to enjoy a wonderful dinner over a couple of drinks. The vibe is mellow and you can chat with your friends across the table without having to shout.
“We feature live music with local singer/songwriter Jen Broadbent. She’s excellent, a little bit bluesy, a little bit folksy, playing a mix of covers and originals,” Glenn says.
“And we will be hosting themed nights with the wineries and beer tastings,”
The Manor’s verandah Photo: Kazuri Photography.
The bistro nights are fresh and dynamic. Glenn says that the bistro menu is a work in progress. The team wants the menu to be exciting and seasonal, different from the cafe menu. It will feature pub meals – like schnitties and lamb shanks – yet still incorporate just a couple of Pulp staples like their Portuguese chicken salad and Reuben sandwich. Look out for weekly soup and curry offerings on the specials board.
I drop in to experience dinner, sinking into a comfy sofa right in front of the crackling fireplace. It feels like a good night for a curry, so I opt for the butter chicken with cumin pilaf. Generous tender chicken portions in the classic sauce that manages to be creamy, sweet and tangy all at the same time. The raita is smooth and satisfying, with crisp papadams. Hearty and flavoursome.
One of the other regulars, who I so far only know to say hello to, upends my solo dinner-in-front-of-the-fire plan. She has seen me photographing my food and comes over for an impromptu photography lesson. I end up with several unflattering images of myself stuffing papadams in my face, but it is quite hilarious and I feel I have made a new friend.
Bec comes past for a chat. “Next time, come at 4:30 on a Friday,” she tells me. “Order some drinks and then stay on for dinner. Come for your after-work Friday drinks. Glenn does great roasted peanuts that are complimentary with your beer.”
A Scotch man, Glenn is keen on Pulp’s gin masterclass event at the end of June, run by Kent Williams, who specialises in sensory experiences around gin. Expect to taste several of Australia’s best gins and play around with mixers.
Keep your eyes peeled on the Pulp Facebook page, as the team keeps bringing new ideas and experiences to Pulp. Sunday night tapas and wine tasting on the deck upstairs at the Manor are in the works, and Thursday date nights upstairs at the Manor as well.
Pulp Bookcafe, Bar and Venue is located at Shop 6/18 O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls, in Federation Square. It is open from 8:45 am to 4 pm every day, and on Friday it stays open until 9 pm. Pop in for a Friday night drink and dinner with family or friends, or just come solo and make a friend!
Follow Pulp on Facebook and Instagram and check out their website where you can book into the upcoming gin masterclass and three-course Christmas in July!
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