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28 May 2024

An indie shop owner in Ouseburn, Newcastle has created a map to showcase the area's independent businesses.

28 May 2024

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is calling on independent retailers to keep writing to their MPs to highlight the impact of the upcoming February 2025 duty change.

15 May 2024

A new report released on behalf of the Retail Sector Council has outlined the work that the industry is doing to create more career opportunities for people that would otherwise be...

14 May 2024

A family of booklovers are moving from Australia to become the new owners of an independent bookshop in Halifax.

14 May 2024

Worldpay’s 2024 Global Payments Report has revealed a transformative shift where consumer choice is not just influencing but dictating the future of commerce.

13 May 2024

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has called on grocers to prioritise accurate pricing following a review of the way in-store prices are displayed.

13 May 2024

Independent businesses in Leicester have praised the “uniqueness” of the city and its "vibrant" atmosphere after the news that M&S was set to close drew a...

1 May 2024

Small shops have been more "agile" at fighting COVID sale slumps than chain stores, according to a new report.

29 Apr 2024

A Peterborough store stocking products solely from local entrepreneurs said it is bucking the High Street trend and looking to expand due to its success.

29 Apr 2024

BIRA is giving independent businesses across the UK a powerful new resource with the launch of its “High Street Matters” podcast.

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The Times names 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers.

Posted on in Business News

The Times has named 12 of the UK’s best independent bookshops — as chosen by its readers. Readers highlighted places that combined books with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Those that made the cut were:

Kemptown Bookshop

Picture: facebook.com/KemptownBookshopBrighton

The Poetry Pharmacy, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire

Reader Rachael Clyne from Glastonbury said the owners had  “worked hard to convert the historic ambience and features into a poetry hub, where they hold workshops as well as a café with drinks and cakes while you browse.”

Kemptown Bookshop, Brighton

Robert Hamberger from Brighton said:

“Since the new owner, Cathy Hayward, took over the long-established bookshop a couple of years ago, she and her friendly well-informed staff have rejuvenated it. Kemptown Bookshop is now one of the hubs of the area.”

 

Script Haven, Worcester

Michael W Thomas wrote that “this shop makes a point of promoting local writers and small presses alongside established names and imprints. It’s altogether a welcoming atmosphere, with tea, coffee and pastries: when you’ve visited once, you’ll certainly want to return.”

 

Voce Books, Birmingham

Owned and run by Clive and Maria Judd, Garrie Fletcher said that Voce is “incredibly supportive of independent publishers and proud to be based in the heart of the country in Birmingham.”

 

Heron Books, Bristol

Bob Walton commented:  “We’re not short of wonderful independent bookshops in Bristol but since Heron Books opened in 2022 something magical has appeared in the mix. It is easily the smallest bookshop imaginable (in a beautiful Victorian arcade) but that doesn’t stop the owners packing it with a huge range of diverse and up-to-date titles.”

David’s Bookshop, Letchworth

Started by the local Armitage family more than 60 years ago, this bookshop was named after their son, David. It comprises a bookshop, music store with popular vinyl and a café. 

 

Storytellers, Inc, St Anne’s on the Sea

Carolyn Hampton says that “they run book groups and author events, and there is always a book suggestion if needed and help with present buying if needed. All the best people love books.”

 

Wimbledon Books, London

Anthea Richardson wrote: “Wimbledon Books has been on the High Street in Wimbledon Village for decades. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and orders arrive the next day. Why go online to receive books in a cardboard box from an overworked courier?”

 

Wave of Nostalgia, Haworth

“Wave of Nostalgia openly celebrates women and the LGBTQ community. Downstairs is the cellar, an intimate and welcoming space where many top authors come and read several times a month. It’s a lovely bookshop where reading and community are celebrated.”
Christine Sanders, West Yorkshire

 

Blue Bear Bookshop, Farnham

“The shop is friendly and welcoming, with an eclectic selection of books including a good children’s section. It offers coffee, tea and cakes — served in Polish china cups and plates. It is dog friendly too”.
Edward Sturges

 

Storey, Kelso

“I would defy anyone to go in there and not disappear down a rabbit hole of wonderful books and eclectic subject matter. This is what makes it a brilliant bookshop because it takes me out of the ordinary and makes me think.”
Caroline Roseman

                         

High Peak Bookstore, Buxton

A derelict garage on a busy road has been transformed into a cavernous booklover’s paradise. Add in a busy programme of talks, comedy and quiz nights and other events, knowledgeable staff and tables of locally produced crafts. I think it could inspire even the most reluctant reader to find a book to enjoy.
Emily Woodhams-Beazeley

 

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