The Booksellers Association Welcomes Lost in the Reads Opening in Kingswood
The Booksellers Association has welcomed Lost in the Reads, a new independent bookshop and community space opening in the Kings Chase Shopping Centre in Kingswood, Bristol. The shop opens its doors to the public today Monday 1st December 2025, with a special Christmas party and author events planned throughout December.
Lost in the Reads offers a calm, welcoming environment designed to help visitors slow down, browse, and connect over stories. The shop provides a carefully curated range of new books spanning fiction, fantasy, children’s, YA, and wellness/business, alongside coffee, cake, and cosy seating. An upstairs coworking and event space will host workshops, author talks, and book clubs, making the shop a versatile hub for creativity and community engagement.
Owner Antoinette Forbes is committed to ensuring the shop reflects a wide range of voices and lived experiences. Her vision is to create a safe, imaginative environment where everyone feels seen, welcome, and represented, making the bookshop a vital cultural space for the local area.
Before opening the shop, Antoinette ran a Virtual Assistant and workflow consultancy called Eto & Flow, supporting small businesses in streamlining their operations and systems. A long-time lover of books, storytelling, and meaningful spaces, she wanted to bring those passions into something physical and community-focused. She lives locally in Bristol with her partner and daughter, and opening Lost in the Reads marks the realisation of a long-term dream.
Antoinette Forbes, owner of Lost in the Reads, said:
“I wanted to build a space that feels like home – calm, kind, and full of imagination. Kingswood hasn’t had a bookshop for years, and I wanted to change that. Lost in the Reads is more than a shop; it’s a sanctuary for readers, families, and anyone who needs a quiet moment with a good story. We believe there’s a book for everyone – it’s just about helping people find it.”
Amy Bradley, Interim Membership Manager at the Booksellers Association, said:
“Lost in the Reads beautifully demonstrates how modern bookshops serve as both cultural anchors and community refuges. Antoinette’s commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and local engagement reflects the evolving spirit of independent bookselling. We’re delighted to welcome Lost in the Reads into BA membership and look forward to seeing it flourish as a much-loved space in Kingswood.”
