I struggle with overwhelm in bookshops so informal recs over wine would be so appreciated (I know you happily give them anyway but the ‘over wine’ bit is tempting). Also doesn’t have to be just you Tom, as all your staff are brilliant.
I agree both your staff are fantastic, so extremely well read and opinionated (surprisingly not always the case in bookshops) as well as your customers. I enjoy the randomness of just turning up and never knowing who you'll get chatting to. Backstory notebooks would be great as well as pens.
This is probably an extremely naive comment/question, but: as someone who for various reasons reads mostly on an e-reader, I would love to be able to go into a bookshop and buy an e-book by scanning a QR code or whatever. I still go to bookstores loads for my daughter and to buy gifts and guiltily scan for recommendations for myself… I suppose it doesn’t make sense financially or other people actually like buying books online (?!) otherwise it would already be a thing.
I struggle with overwhelm in bookshops so informal recs over wine would be so appreciated (I know you happily give them anyway but the ‘over wine’ bit is tempting). Also doesn’t have to be just you Tom, as all your staff are brilliant.
Thanks Emily! And yes they are all stars - we only allow lovely people to work here!
Had no idea there was a bar(!) I'm new to this site. But definitely within the area so I'll come check you out for coffee or booze or both...
Most days, I’m 3,700 miles away. Next week, just 20. If work lets me escape, I’m there for coffee!
Yay!!
I agree both your staff are fantastic, so extremely well read and opinionated (surprisingly not always the case in bookshops) as well as your customers. I enjoy the randomness of just turning up and never knowing who you'll get chatting to. Backstory notebooks would be great as well as pens.
I loved Kramers, amazed to read it was your inspiration. I would love to see chess nights at the shop
This is probably an extremely naive comment/question, but: as someone who for various reasons reads mostly on an e-reader, I would love to be able to go into a bookshop and buy an e-book by scanning a QR code or whatever. I still go to bookstores loads for my daughter and to buy gifts and guiltily scan for recommendations for myself… I suppose it doesn’t make sense financially or other people actually like buying books online (?!) otherwise it would already be a thing.
Reading this post longingly from my home 4,600 miles distant from Balham.
I could only select one option on the ‘what would you attend’. I’d also attend mixers & singles nights as well as board games. All great ideas.