There is nothing quite like a long weekend spent exploring the aisles of an independent bookshop, struck with an undeniable sense of discovery, and leaving the premises with a stack of books found by curiosity and chance. The news that independent bookshops are reviving gives great cause for celebration, many independents are thriving because they understand readers’ tastes better than any algorithm and this love can be reciprocated because not only do independents celebrate books and reading, they also celebrate and anchor a community.
So, for the bookworms among us, spend your next weekend offline and out and about, perusing the aisles of one of the North East’s many excellent, charming, independent bookshops, our favourites of which we’ve rounded up below.
Barter Books, Alnwick
Website: www.barterbooks.co.uk
As independent bookshops in the North East go, Barter Books, which is located in Alnwick’s magnificent old Victorian railway station, undoubtedly deserves a place on the must-see list.
The bookshop was first opened in 1991 as the brainchild of Mary Manley, a booklover who had been looking for a way to help pay the rent – and found it! This, in a space created for her by her husband, Stuart, in a front room of the station in what was then his model-manufacturing business, and with whom she would quickly form what both would consider to be a perfect business partnership, ie, Mary’s entrepreneurial flair coupled with Stuart’s business acumen. The shop, as Mary’s name for it indicated, would be based on an easily understood swap system.
Thanks to its almost immediate success, the bookshop quickly became their sole business, one which would allow them over time to restore, little by little, its derelict interior. In its stead would emerge a bookshop with a remarkably inclusive atmosphere enjoyed by customers of all ages, featuring a stock of more than 350,000 books ranging from Mills & Boons to first editions, paperback thrillers to rare antiquarian books – all amid restored fireplaces, a little train that circles high above the book columns of the central room, three huge murals one of which is singled out in the book Hidden Treasures of England, and plenty of seating. And just in case you’re feeling peckish, the bookshop is home to an excellent Buffet that specializes in traditional home-cooked food (just try the chips!), as well as its own little ice cream parlour next door. Not to forget, the original Keep Calm and Carry On poster that Stuart found in a box of old books bought at auction back in 2000 and that would become one of the first graphic icons of the 21st century.
But experience it all yourself by spending an hour or even a whole day in a truly rare bookshop, one still run by Stuart and Mary with the support of an excellent team, and that retains its inimitable charm and character unlike any other.
Forum Books, Corbridge
Website: www.forumbooksshop.com
A magical booklovers gem in the heart of the picturesque village of Corbridge, the marvellous Forum Books is a memorable experience and it is possible to hide out for hours in the stacks that somehow hold 10,000 titles within this tastefully converted chapel. This award winning shop is unbelievably charming, crammed full of well organised selections of contemporary and classic fiction, travel books, cookbooks and children’s stories plus an array of signed books, and more unusual hard to find titles.
Forum also hosts an incredibly impressive and varied range of author events, some exciting upcoming talks include distinguished authors Michael Palin and Rick Stein, at the beautiful Newcastle Cathedral and Biscuit Factory, so it’s easy to see how Forum and its sister stores have developed such a loyal and diverse clientele. Cosy nooks among the shelves invite you to sit and read for a while, and the friendly and super knowledgeable staff make the whole experience a most enjoyable one.
With their dedicated following Forum have expanded and they now have two other equally fantastic shops, The Bound on Park View in Whitley Bay, one of the coast’s most eclectic high streets; and the brand new Accidental Bookshop in the historic market town of Alnwick, featuring the UK’s tallest bookshop bookshelf. An afternoon here is pure literary heaven but be prepared, you’ll struggle to walk out of any of these bookshops empty handed.
Keel Row Books, Whitley Bay
Website: www.keelrowbooks.com
Established in 1981, Keel Row Books was taken over by husband and wife duo Anthony and Alice in 2006, and most recently they relocated their popular bookshop from its much loved home in North Shields, and reopened alongside many other like minded independents in the heart of Whitley Bay on the ever popular Park View. Inside this beguiling and beautifully restored former pharmacy, alongside the old vintage glass chemist bottles and jars, you’ll find an eclectic collection of rare, collectible and first edition books, as well as a host of modern and rare local history titles, vintage children’s books, and a huge selection of interesting and unusual good quality second hand volumes. Anthony is a member of the prestigious Antiquarian Booksellers Association, the oldest organisation of its kind in the world. The shop also sells an excellent range of antique maps, intriguing handwritten manuscripts, vintage postcards and an array of unusual ephemera.
This dynamic pair are also intent on creating a carbon neutral premises, and incredibly Keel Row, already a low emission business, is journeying towards being net zero in the next five years. This is somewhat a priority for Anthony and Alice, as they see it as a privilege to be custodians of arts, literature, culture, and they also like to do their bit for the planet.
This is an atmospheric place, somewhere to get lost in for hours and we are certain there are a host of bookshop gems to be discovered.
Cogito Books, Hexham
Website: www.cogitobooks.com
There is something quite tantalising about Cogito’s distinguished racing green frontage, you instinctively feel compelled to enter. And you should follow your intuition, as this bookshop is not like all the others. Indeed, Cogito’s book browsing experience and internal stock is unique: since the shop’s opening, its dedicated and thoughtful owners continually select books daily, searching out thought provoking and entertaining titles, tailoring their choices to their loyal customers.
It is a real gem, such a welcoming friendly space offering help while you browse from their incredibly knowledgeable booksellers, who are very happy to source any additional titles that you may desire with their quick and efficient ordering service.
The bookshop truly is at the heart of this Northumberland town community and an active and imaginative creative hub. Cogito also specialises in innovative events, with monthly book groups and the rather brilliant Cogito Reading Treat, a wonderful private consultation resulting in a collection of 6 perfectly selected books, the most thoughtful gift for any avid reader.
With book-laden shelves and comfy sofas nestled around them, this is the perfect place to spend time and discover a new read. For true bookworm to bookworm connection, this is the perfect one-stop shop.