Fort Gets A New Bookstore

Never mind those rumours about Landmark opening at the Army & Navy building. The Fort area does indeed have a new bookstore, just not a chain one. Kitab Khana, which opened this week, might just serve some of the needs of South Mumbai book lovers with its selection of English and Indian literature. Located on the ground floor of the 150-year-old Somaiya Bhavan, Kitab Khana is owned by Amrita and Samir Somaiya, who wanted a store where people would be encouraged to read and lounge about. “We want a space that will feel like a living room, where people can read a book and have a cup of coffee, a space that would lend itself to places in Europe or North America,” said Amrita Somaiya. “We want to offer Bombay one more shop to hang out at.”

Kitab Khana has plenty of reading nooks and seating areas, including a coffee shop that sells a range of pastries, cakes, tarts, salads and sandwiches. With its cast-iron columns, high ceilings and Italian marble statues, the store has already set itself apart from chains like Crossword and Oxford. Unlike the other two, Kitab Khana also sells a substantial selection of books in Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati. The Somaiyas say that about 75 per cent of the stock comprises popular literature, so you can expect to find all the usual fiction and non-fiction biggies. The other 25 per cent is for philosophy and more “stimulating” fare, which includes shelves devoted to Gandhi, poetry, Indian texts like the Upanishads and Bhagvad Gita as well as science books and Penguin classics. There are also sections for children’s books (including a small play area), cook books, coffee table books and travel books, but Strand fans will discover that the selection is not much more varied than at that Fort stalwart. We did like the rack of international magazines, which was positioned next to a cosy seating area, as well as the charming character afforded by a heritage structure. But in terms of book selection, don’t go with high expectations. You’re better off cashing in on the discounted prices at Strand.

LocationKitab Khana
Somaiya Bhavan
M. G. Road
Flora Fountain
Fort

Phone022 2288 8041/43

HoursDaily, 10am to 7pm

Websitewww.kitabkhana.in