If you’ve strolled down the Blackstock Road in North London, you’ll have noticed the striking yet welcoming exterior of BookBara space that has always lived by the mantra of ‘bringing people together through books’. Combining the beauty of a bookshop and wine bar, it’s served as an independent literary hangout for those wanting to browse books, read, or natter while enjoying a glass of wine or coffee.
This morning (March 20), it was announced that a second BookBar is opening in Londonwith a flagship shop just off the King’s Road in Chelsea landing later in the spring.
What can we expect from the second BookBar shop?
Everything that has endeared the current BookBar to so many will be present in the new 1,200 square foot space, which will also serve as bookshop, wine and coffee bar, and social space. Plus, the intimate events with writers that have been central to BookBar’s success will be built on at the new flagship space. In the past, BookBar has hosted evenings with authors from Gabrielle Zevin and Caleb Azumah Nelson to Dolly Alderton and David Nichollsand there will be plenty more of these to come.
BookBar’s second shop will also act as a space to continue the community ethos established at the Islington site, with their book clubs, meetups, and late-night browsing and wine-sipping. The Bookbar BookClub allows members to view virtual author events, attend in-person meets, enjoy discounts and perks – and with the news of the second BookBar shop coming to London, there hasn’t been a better time to try it out.
Speaking on the news, Chrissy Ryan, founder of BookBar, said: “BookBar has grown from strength to strength since we opened during the pandemic in April 2021.
“In those four years, BookBar has expanded from two to seven team-members, been a three–times finalist for London’s Independent Bookshop of the Year, hosted high profile events, launched a growing subscription Book Club service and built a large and engaged community of book, wine, and coffee-lovers.
“As a business, we feel ready to take the next step and I cannot wait to bring our passion for celebrating the social side of reading to Chelsea and contributing to its thriving cultural scene.”
BookBar’s second shop is opening in spring 2025, and you’ll be able to find it at 3B Chelsea Manor Street, Chelsea, SW3 5RP. It’s opening as part of the new ‘Creative Quarter’ in Chelsea at The Garmont, which will also host a flagship cinema, rooftop restaurant, pub theatrem and more. Read about BookBar at their website.
