The Cupboard Under The Stage
Paddington
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
Book lovers will be over the moon when they discover The Cupboard Under the Stage, the absolute epitome of a hidden gem that can be found in Paddington’s glorious Empire Revival.
Once you’re through the foyer and under the vast blue ceiling of the original theatre’s auditorium, turn right and meander along either of the aisles, towards what was originally the ornately decorated stage area in its heyday. Make your way down a few stairs and turn left, heading to the adjacent corner of the building from the foyer.
It’s here that you will discover a door, another staircase, and secret little book nook, complete with its very own car seat that looks like it’s straight from a Harry Potter tale.
No matter your preferred reading material, there is plenty crammed into the tiny space that will whet your penchant for literature, from modern scribings to historic novels and limitless genres in between.
Everything is available for purchase, including the artwork on the walls and the collectibles on display.
As you’d expect in a library, the shelves are laden with books that are all grouped by category, so you’ll find browsing an ease. If military history is your crime, you’ll find it. If superhero comics from yesteryear flap your cape, you’d better visit!
Romantics will have their hearts wooed, as will lovers of poetry and modern-day autobiographies.
If you’re looking for something unique, there are a number of locked, glass display cases that house collectibles, such as a bound copy of a Brisbane Courier Mail edition from 1939, and editions of books from the early 1900s that share the story of an adjective-heavy, descriptive world before electronics and limited character messaging.
A salute to a bygone era that celebrates homes with quiet libraries to sit and read, and crammed with shelves overflowing with books, The Cupboard Under The Stage is sure to bring a smile to anyone that enjoys the love of reading.
Nice to know - The beautiful, blue ceiling and walls of Empire Revival are actually heritage-listed.
Good to know - Like any bookstore, the range changes regularly, so bookmark this treasure to revisit.
By Danella Perrins
