In 1812 our great great great grandfather opened the first Berkelouw Books in Rotterdam, Holland. Books were expensive and scarce in the days of yore and bookshops such as his were mostly found next to or within the salons and coffee houses that graced European city streets. It was in these spaces where great ideas blossomed.
Communities formed, fuelled by delicious local food, coffee and wine, to read and swap not only books but creative, political and cultural ideas. Today Caf 1812 borrows from this romantic page of our history. Books have always been part of our story and with the opening of Caf 1812, we return to how our story began - with great books, coffee, food, wine and ideas.
Communities formed, fuelled by delicious local food, coffee and wine, to read and swap not only books but creative, political and cultural ideas. Today Caf 1812 borrows from this romantic page of our history. Books have always been part of our story and with the opening of Caf 1812, we return to how our story began - with great books, coffee, food, wine and ideas.
Services
Choice of: Soy linseed quinoa / Sourdough / Turkish / Fruits toast / Gluten free with butter and your choice of vegemite, nutella, marmalade, peanut butter or home-made jam. Curry puff stuffed with potatoes, green peas, spices and wrapped with pastry and deep fried and served with mint sauce. Tender pieces of chicken cooked in the tandoori style and covered in a mild creamy tomato sauce served with basmati rice.
We love the sound of laughter from the belly and loud debate as people are brought together to eat, drink and be merry. Please feel free to share the ideas you have for your next shindig and we'll do everything we can to bring them to life for you. If you are interested in a function, feel free to contact us and we can create a fitting catering menu for your event.
Caf 1812 is located on the corner of 19 Oxford Street and Verona Street. We are surrounded by street parking, but your best bet would be to try Napier Street and Greens Road first. Alternatively we are only a few minutes' wander down from St Vincent's Hospital parking station. The closest train station to Caf 1812 is Museum Station.
Reviews (9)
Michael
Jan 17, 2022
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Patrick Mountford
Nov 11, 2021
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Been coming here for 20 years and always enjoyed the atmosphere but had a very unpleasant experience today: an extremely hostile, surly and aggressive male server at the 1812 cafe (1.30 pm, Saturday 20 November 2021). Other customers were also nonplussed at his rude unpleasant manner including an older lady who appeared quite upset. I hear it’s hard to find staff in hospitality at present, maybe that’s a factor. Previous staff have always been lovely. Shame.
Ken Burgin
May 04, 2021
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So nice to be in a real bookshop cafe - and Berkelouw books is one of the best shops around. Comfortable cafe best for coffee and cakes, snacks etc. plus good simple wine list that’s not expensive. Menu could be reduced and modernised - something a bit old fashioned and plain about it that doesn’t match the location or shop range. Friendly and helpful staff.
Nick Dale
Mar 12, 2021
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I've been coming to this wonderful cafe for 10 years! It's perfect for book lovers and cafe goers alike. Feeling stressed? Pop into this warm and welcoming place and right away the atmosphere breaths calm into your day. The staff are really sweet and friendly. And there's a great range of food and snacks, beautiful coffee and wine! Great for a solo outing or post movie snacks and discussion with friends. (It's right across the road from the Palace cinema!)
Aman
Mar 06, 2021
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1 hour time limit on the tables. If you're looking for a place to get work done and get in the zone then this is not the place for you. Staff are lovely.
Good bookstore but its incredibly loud with crying babies and children running around the books section. Not exactly a calm environment to enjoy books or work.
Good bookstore but its incredibly loud with crying babies and children running around the books section. Not exactly a calm environment to enjoy books or work.
Steph Pimley
Jan 23, 2021
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Ricardo Muro Plaza
Aug 13, 2018
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Jul 28, 2018
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Jean-Jacques Halans
May 30, 2018
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