The winners of regional categories for Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards have been announced, showcasing the best of the UK's independent booksellers. The awards, organised by industry magazine The Bookseller, will culminate in a ceremony on 11 May where an overall champion will be crowned.
In Scotland, Edinburgh's Book Lover's Bookshop took the title. The romance-only store, funded by crowdfunding just 18 months ago, impressed judges with its high profile and diverse stock. Griffin Books in Penarth, Wales, won for the fourth time in six years, noted for expanding its children's and teens' offerings. Northern Ireland's winner was The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus, a hidden gem that recently overhauled its children's room to better serve those with autism.
Folde, a nature-specialist bookshop in Dorset, won the South West category after expanding its high street premises. The South East winner was P&G Wells in Winchester, thought to be Britain's oldest bookshop, operating since the 18th century and hosting author talks and storytimes. London's top spot went to Backstory in Balham, opened in 2022, which also features a bar serving coffee, wine, and snacks.
The Rabbit Hole in Lincolnshire won the Midlands category, offering a quirky space with a children's play area and preloved vinyls upstairs. North England's crown went to Truman Books in West Yorkshire, which combines books with coffee and cake and holds a monthly book club. The Book Hive in Norwich triumphed in East England, curating its collection based on booksellers' top picks rather than traditional displays.
Tom Tivnan, deputy editor of The Bookseller, said: 'Our record year of submissions speaks to the fine fettle independent bookshops are in, despite the myriad challenges small businesses face. In an incredibly competitive year, these nine winners are the best of the best: kings and queens of local high streets, pillars of communities and – crucially in this National Year of Reading – champions of helping others discover the joy of books.'
The overall Independent Bookshop of the Year will be revealed at the British Book Awards ceremony in London on 11 May.
