BEST BOOKSTORE
ARIEL BOOKS
When we tried to congratulate these guys, we were a bit taken aback by their honesty. “We’re not the best bookstore,” was the incredibly blunt response. However, there’s a strange kind of magnetism that draws you around this beautiful store. The place is somehow packed full of kitsch nick-nacks and pop-culture decorations, yet seems as spacious as a colosseum. This is not necessarily due to the high ceiling, but possibly due to the number of books. Still, despite the staff’s dry reluctance, they have managed to take out the gong. This is not a place that you’ll ever leave wondering if you were ripped off. Fair enough. (LC)
42 Oxford Street, Paddington, +61 2 9332 4581, www.arielbooks.com.au