What a hidden little gem! Downstairs under the curtain shops you'll find a huge collection of second hand books. You can sit down and enjoy a cuppa and cake while browsing the vast collection.

Beyond Q is a funky second-hand bookshop tucked away in a basement in Curtin Shops. The stock is of higher quality than the usual offerings in second-hand bookshops, with a collection of beautiful Folio Society editions, and lots of hardcover and out-of-print titles. Nearly all of the books are in very good-to-excellent condition, and there was none of the dusty smell common to second-hand bookshops.

My husband and I had an excellent lunch at the cafe, which cost $30 for a soup, a panini, a pot of tea and a coffee.

The only downsides were that there didn't seem to be any heating on a wintry Canberra day, and the cafe service was very slow. Nevertheless, we'll be back!

Approximate cost: $30

I was on spring clean and found Beyond Q books to sell off my books. The place had a great collection of second hand and used quality books. While the staff looked thru my books, i even found that they have a cozy coffee place where one can catch up with friends. One can get book credits for future reading or get book cost in cash equivalent instantly.will try the cafe next time i visit as their coffee had a great inviting aroma!