Café Mocha by Barista hosts book lovers at Book Swap Colombo Creator’s Edition III
Sri Lanka’s favourite coffee house Barista Lavazza’s flagship store recently played host to book lovers of all ages and backgrounds recently when it hosted “Creator’s Edition III” of Book Swap Colombo. Book Swap Colombo was founded by a group of self-proclaimed “bookworms” who desired to create a forum for like-minded book lovers to share their collections and stories. Once in 3 months on the last Saturday, the book swappers would meet to lend and share their books (ones that ardent lovers of the written word are willing to part with), have conversations about the books they have or are reading, meet and make new friends and enjoy a relaxing time amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Adding to the atmosphere is the light music played in the background by upcoming local artists of different genres.
Members of Book Swap Colombo include journalists and career writers as well as those who pen down their thoughts as a healthy hobby. All communication for the members of Book Swap Colombo is done via a public Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/colombobook. The event is also free of charge with members requiring to only purchase their food and beverages of choice from the venue.
Speaking at the event Founder and Coordinator of Book Swap Colombo Nadeesha Paulis says, “Book Swap Colombo was an idea that a few of us had when pondering what to do with the large collections of books we found cramped in to every corner of our homes. For those who know what an ardent fans bedroom looks like you can imagine books in every little nook and corner. What we want to ideally do through these meet-ups is to promote reading and share our treasured possessions with the like-minded. Reading is more than a passion, it’s a lifestyle and this is something we want to share.”
Barista Lavazza’s flagship Café Mocha outlet at Stratford Avenue, Colombo 6 which was previously known as the Gandhara outlet was revamped and refurbished recently. The café serves an authentic Italian coffee experience coupled with a mouth-watering intercontinental menu and an artsy ambience that is commonplace for the entire street.Now occupying both the 1st and 2nd floor of the building Café Mocha creates the perfect multi-functional space. Having expanded on to the second floor of the existing outlet Café Mocha now has the ability to accommodate large gatherings without disturbing the regulars who drop by for their favourite Lavazza. The interior lighting and décor choices transports coffee lovers back to yesteryear with paintings and images of such greats as John Lennon, Che Guerra, Audrey Hepburn, Tin Tin, and even the infamous James Bond keeping you company while you enjoy a signature Barista beverage or the latest addition to the food offerings. With an in-house kitchen Café Mocha makes to order a range of dishes like the Vietnamese lemongrass chicken rice, the smoked salmon bagel and the spicy minced lamb served with hummus and pita bread.
Commenting on Barista Lavazza’s plans for the new outlet Head of Operations Tharanga Perera notes, “The team at Barista wants to make Sri Lankans understand coffee and its different variants and we are constantly looking at innovative ways of reaching out to our customers. We are also on the lookout for various focus groups that we can support to carry our message to a wider audience. One reason why we partnered with Book Swap Colombo is to present our flagship Café Mocha outlet as a place for the arts. We look forward to many more such events like art and photography exhibitions, poetry and book readings, book launches and the likes in the near future.”
The staff at Café Mocha also ensures that every customer experience is 100% with their smiles and ever-willing-to-help attitude. The passion for serving the best Italian coffee just the way you like it makes Café Mocha one of the go-to places for all those who love a combination of great food and drink, classic ambiences and the right level of service.
Café Mocha by Baristais looking forward to hosting many such events that promote art, culture and literature among Sri Lankans and their global clientele. The venue can also be booked for corporate meetings and functions. For more information and to make reservations please contact 0719 999922.
