Reading Party Melbourne brings quiet pages and community to Kensington

A different kind of night out is coming to Kensington next month, with Reading Party Melbourne set to host an evening dedicated to books, quiet and connection at Enbarr restaurant on Wednesday, March 18.

Billed as a chance to “stop scrolling and start reading”, the event invites guests to bring along any book of their choice – whether it’s a well-loved favourite or something that’s been sitting unread on the bedside table – and simply spend time reading together.

There’s no assigned text, no discussion questions and no pressure to prepare. Organisers are quick to point out that a reading party is not a book club. Instead, it’s about carving out uninterrupted time away from screens, rediscovering the joy of reading and meeting like-minded people in a relaxed setting.

The evening will begin with a period of silent reading, allowing guests to settle in with their books and a drink. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to mingle, swap recommendations and chat about what everyone’s been reading.

The event will be held at Enbarr, a newly opened modern Irish restaurant in Kensington. Named after the mythical Irish horse said to travel across both land and sea, Enbarr offers a refined yet welcoming space, with comfortable seating and a drinks list that includes cocktails, wine, beer and, fittingly, Guinness.

Tickets include a complimentary first pour from a select drinks list, with guests able to order additional food and drinks throughout the evening.

Reading Party Melbourne has been gaining traction for its simple but appealing premise: creating intentional, screen-free spaces in busy urban lives. In an era of constant notifications and digital distractions, the idea of gathering to read quietly alongside strangers has struck a chord with many.

The March 18 event runs at Enbarr in Kensington, with tickets available via Humanitix. For more information, readers can follow @readingpartymelb on Instagram or contact the organisers at [email protected].

For those looking to swap their phone for a paperback, even just for a few hours, this might be the perfect excuse. •