What would you do on a rainy day? I would go to a quaint café to relax with a book and a warm drink.
I found myself in Machida Station, and I wandered around looking for a quiet café to do some work. After exiting the station, the words “Book Café” instantly caught my attention; I knew it would be a quiet and conducive place.
Solid & Liquid Reading Style Project can be found on the 6th floor of 0101, just beside Machida Station on the JR Yokohama Line. It is found within the departmental store, and you will be able to see it coming up the escalator. The first thing that will strike you is that is very open, yet gives off a very quiet and cosy atmosphere. Furniture is sparse and wooden, and the walls are lined with books. The décor is simple but it lives up to what you would expect from a book café.
There are plenty of seats, and some were filled with people reading books and magazines. You can borrow any book available and return it to a box in the front once you are done. Due to its open concept, sound does not get trapped within the walls, and the whole area remains quiet despite some noise from the kitchen, departmental store announcements, and chatter between friends. Their playlist adds to the peaceful atmosphere, consisting mainly English folk songs played at an unobtrusive volume.
The adjoining book store has shelves and shelves of stationary, cards, collectibles and books.
The menu has the usual mix of hot and cold coffees and teas, as well as salads, sandwiches, hot food and desserts, but most of these were already sold out when I arrived just after 1.30pm. The café is mainly designed for light meals and reading, so the food menu is limited and they do not provide free Wi-Fi.
Nevertheless this is a relaxing place I would recommend if you want to get a drink and read a book or catch up with friends. There is plenty of seating and they open all the way until 9.30pm.
