(feature story)

This weekend I had the opportunity to visit for the first time an unusual, surely in my opinion, coffee shop called ‘Paliturka.’

What are your expectations from this name? Personally, I had the idea that this is an ordinary Kyiv cafe, which does not differ from a bunch of similar ones, where you can drink a cup of coffee, enjoy a delicious dessert and spend a good time in the company of friends. But… my expectations were not confirmed.

Having met with my friend, who actually initiated this walk, we went in search of this coffee shop, which later became a whole quest for us. The day before, we had found its location on the map to avoid the situation that later happened, but there is always one “but” — we did not take into account that there were alleys that could not be found immediately. So after a few minutes of wandering, it was decided to follow the navigator, which, as it turned out, also did not really understand us and laid a somewhat strange route. Because of this, we got confused again and found ourselves on the opposite side of the street. And finally, after a few circles around the house and thanks to the help of one kind man, the coffee shop was found out. What was the most interesting, we saw it first, but did not pay attention to it at all.

Once inside, you get into the world of books and fragrant coffee. “Well, books and books, coffee and coffee, what is so unusual here?” — you may think, so it’s time to tell the basic concept of this place.

‘Paliturka. Coffee&Books’ (later it turned out that this is the full name.), a small cozy coffee shop, is hidden somewhere in the courtyard on Khreshchatyk, with its own bookcrossing, summer evenings and vinyl parties and more. This is a great place for book lovers, because here you can give a book you have already read, which is idly standing on the shelf, a second life by exchanging it for a drink or another book left here by other visitors. Then you can continue a kind of chain and exchange books again and again, leaving secret links for the next reader. Just imagine how pleasant it will be for him to receive nice words, positive emotions are guaranteed!

You can enjoy coffee both indoors and outdoors at the tables. In the menu you can find cold drinks, hot drinks and something sweet to fully enjoy your stay in this place.

My personal impressions: atmospheric, cozy and with a soul. So I advise everyone who likes spending time with a book in hands not to miss the opportunity to try new things and find like-minded people with whom in the future you can arrange your own literary evenings on Khreshchatyk street, 46A. You should keep in mind that the entrance is in the arch, do not repeat our mistakes…

Enjoy delicious coffee and bright books!