The Polanco branch of Pendulo in Mexico City has long been known as one of the best ways to beat the heat in the largest city in the world. Although it only has a small English language section, its open architecture populated with several trees makes for an excellent afternoon's escape. In honesty, as popular for its excellent cafe as it is its books.

The Guardian

Few things are more enjoyable than whiling away the afternoon in a bookstore, flipping through best sellers, first editions, and new discoveries. Except, perhaps, when that bookstore is as captivating as the books on its shelves.

Architectural Record

This branch of Mexcian bookstore Péndulo offers a cultivated way to avoid the heat of Mexico City. Customers can leaf through shelves spanning two storeys or sit at the cafe listening to live music. In 2013, the chain celebrated its 20th anniversary by ‘releasing’ 1,000 books stamped with the message “This is a free book. Read it and return it to another public place.

BBC

Fundada en 1993, hoy El Péndulo se ha convertido en un importante centro cultural donde se celebran conciertos, presentaciones de libros y cursos literarios. La cafetería se ha convertido en un gran restaurante con servicio desde el desayuno hasta la cena, y dos de sus sucursales cuentan incluso con servicio de bar.

ABC España

Se distingue por una arquitectura abierta y luminosa de decoración ecléctica que, en conjunto con mobiliario logran un ambiente especial. Aquí se desarrollan actividades relacionadas con la cultura y las artes como conciertos, presentaciones de libros y cursos.

El Economista

Siempre serán bienvenidas las propuestas de distinta naturaleza, que propicien las mas diversas expresiones de promoción y difusión del arte, la cultura y el despliegue de las mejores manifestaciones del espíritu.

Gustavo López Padilla