3 Favourite indie book shops
The curated, the quirky and the cosy
As Independent Bookshop Week comes to a close, I thought I’d use the celebration of literary shops across the UK and Ireland as inspiration for this post.
Independent Bookshop Week “ .. aims to highlight the vital role independent bookshops play in their communities, and to encourage consumers to shop for their Summer reads with their local independent.” - BooksAreMyBag.com
I must confess that I did recently make the switch to Kindle for most of my fiction reads, as our teeny London flat is pretty much at breaking point on the storage front. It’s definitely helping me to achieve my goal of reading more, so for that I am in favour. However, there will always be some books I will long for in print and I can never resist a snoop amongst the shelves of a good book shop.
The peace and quiet, the smell of the paper, and the many alternative worlds that await beyond the covers and titles that vie for your attention like market stall traders, willing you to glance their way, to reach out and choose them.
From Northumberland to Hertfordshire and down to the Kent coast, here are 3 gems you must visit if ever in their neighbourhood . . .
Harbour Books, Whitstable
No visit to Whitstable is complete without poking my nose into Harbour Books.
What this shop lacks in size it makes up for in style. Modern, bright and I love how there’s always fresh, cut flowers on the main table.
There’s a very inclusive range of genres and a lot of support for local Writers.
Harbour Books, 21 Harbour St, Whitstable CT5 1AQ
Barter Books, Alnwick
One of Britain’s largest second hand bookstores, housed in a former Victorian railway station, Barter Books is a magical place with aisles for miles, open fires, armchairs, often a hound or two lazing about the place, a cafe/ice cream parlour and a miniature railway that chugs over head. There is no where else quite like it!
Barter Books, Alnwick Station, Alnwick NE66 2NP
And if you’ve ever seen this poster, (and chances are you have!)
here’s a great little story below, a film by Temujin Doran at Studio Canoe.
Books on the Hill, St Albans
A wonderful shop where the customer experience is everything. As well as a great selection of books on the shelves, if you’re looking for a special gift there is a Curiosity Cabinet of rare books including first editions and items of interest connected to literature. Or how about a reading subscription or personal shopping experience? Upstairs you’ll find the cosy reading rooms and cafe.
Books on the Hill, 1 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1ER
Thanks for reading, if you liked this post please show it some love by liking, sharing or commenting. Which are your favourite indie book stores?
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