Local Charm – The Chestnut Tree Bookshop and Café by Ewert Leaf

Home to over 10,000 literary works, The Chestnut Tree Bookshop and Cafe is a charming addition to vibrant Barkly Street. Lovingly crafted by Ewert Leaf, the hybrid space offers a comforting environment to settle down with a coffee, pastry and compelling read.

For every book bought from The Chestnut Tree Bookshop and Cafe, the company plants a native tree in a bushfire-affected area of Australia. Strengthened by such environmental purpose, the store embraces its customer base with an offer of locally roasted coffee from its own coffee bar, a selection of golden, flaky pastries, generous seating and shelves filled with both fiction and non-fiction.

For every book bought from The Chestnut Tree Bookshop and Cafe, the company plants a native tree in a bushfire-affected area of Australia.

Leaning into a minimal aesthetic uplifted by textural richness, Ewert Leaf incorporates midcentury modern features into the interior design. Finishes such as Polytech Prime Oak Woodmatt, timber print and cork flooring create a feeling of warmth and sustainability that carries throughout the scheme.

For a site measuring just 115 square metres, the display and accessibility of stock is thoroughly considered. Custom shelving combines with rolling ladders and smartly integrated storage – fitted neatly above the doorways – to maximise the usable space. In addition, Ewert Leaf ensures that the aisles between bookshelves are wide enough to allow a complete wheelchair turning circle.

Designing with purpose and restraint, Ewert Leaf establishes a welcoming community hub situated in West Footscray. The Chestnut Tree Bookshop and Cafe captures the familiar essence of one’s own living room, forming a literary retreat for all.

Finishes such as Polytech Prime Oak Woodmatt, timber print and cork flooring create a feeling of warmth and sustainability that carries throughout the scheme.