Highlands is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Edmonton. With century-old trees lining the streets and historical plaques explaining the city’s earliest residences, it’s developed into a walkable, tight-knit community. A favourite stopping point for many of the locals during their walkabouts has been Mandolin Books and Coffee Company. It opened in 2003, and is on its third owner, Lianne Traynor. “It was just passed along and become a treasured place in our neighbourhood,” says Lianne, who took over in 2014. “We live in Highlands, so keeping this alive for the neighbourhood was important. There is such a beautiful community vibe here. We’re so rooted here and connected to the neighbourhood and the people.”
As the name suggests, Mandolin Books and Coffee Company is two businesses in one. It serves specialty coffee and tea drinks, plus delicious baked goods, as well as light breakfast and lunch options. While enjoying your beverage, you can browse the thousands of used books stacked on shelves around the store. “It’s always a tug of war between tables and books – whether we take out book shelves to make it more open and put in a table or fit in as many bookshelves as we can,” says Lianne. “The two sides of the business complement each other well.”
