The good, the bad and the wireless: The Bookworm
I have been making the rounds with my laptop in search of spots that offer decent food, drink, and online access. This is part five of my winter wireless wrap-up. (Previously: Sequoia, The Rickshaw; Le Petit Gourmand; The Stone Boat)
The Bookworm
Good
- The food is generally tasty and made with fresh ingredients. Those used to canned tomato juice will find Bookworm’s a shocker: it’s made from tomatoes and nothing but (feel them vitamins). The food tends to be pricier than at spots like The Rickshaw and Sequoia Cafe. The burger (good fries) and breakfast offer decent value
- Two rooms for nonsmokers, one for those who wish to Zhongnanhai
- If you are dreaming of, planning to, procrastinating on or in the process of writing a book, this is your Eden
- There are lots of places, from dining-style tables to sofas, at which to hold small meetings
- A decent selection of wine and Whiskey
- An unparalleled array of goods – more than 10,000 books for loan, books and magazine for sale, a selection of gifts – and services - poetry readings, seminars with authors, wine tastings, and annual events such as the literary festival. It’s a cultural hub in the city.
Bad
- Limited toilet facilities – one stall, one urinal.
- Service can be spotty.
- The front door opens and closes every few minutes, letting in winter blasts and making a racket (perhaps this could be alleviated by utilizing some of those felt chair foot pads).
- People talking loudly and at length on the phone or Skype (this transforms to good if the person in question is in your industry or, better, your competitor). Here is a shining example.
The wireless
- Generally good. While some places are good for online activities during the afternoon but become more bar-oriented as night comes, The Bookworm tends to be consistent throughout.
Next: Nearby the Tree
No commentsNo comments yet. Be the first.
Leave a reply
