Konets Prekrasnoy Epohi - a unique hybrid of bookstore and bar

Konets Prekrasnoy Epohi is a unique hybrid of bookstore and bar, tucked away in Saint Petersburg’s literary heart near the Fontanka River. Named after Brodsky’s poem, it pays homage to the city’s poetic legacy with shelves stacked with Russian and international literature. The space feels like a cozy, slightly worn-in salon, where books and wine bottles share the same tables. By day, it’s a quiet spot for reading over coffee, with sunlight filtering through large windows onto vintage typewriters and stacked paperbacks. By night, the mood shifts—soft jazz plays as visitors sip natural wine and debate over dog-eared poetry collections. The bar menu is thoughtful, featuring Georgian wines and craft cocktails named after literary figures. Readings and intimate concerts are held in the back room, where velvet curtains and mismatched chairs create a bohemian vibe. Regulars include local writers, artists, and students who come for the intellectual buzz as much as the drinks. The staff, often engrossed in their own books, recommend titles with the ease of old friends. It’s the kind of place where time slips away between pages and poured glasses, a true sanctuary for Petersburg’s literary souls.