the BookCellar opens at 100 Stokes Croft
The BookCellar, a new independent bookshop and wine bar, opens at 10 am on Friday 8th May at 100 Stokes Croft, Bristol. Founded by husband and wife team, Tom and Claire Bartley, the BookCellar builds on the city’s strong indie bookselling scene with a place people can stay a bit longer to enjoy their book with a glass of wine, beer, or hot drink.
Open seven days a week from morning to evening, the BookCellar stocks a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books and offers seating for people to read in peace or catch up with friends over a drink.
The shop also has a dedicated events space which will also host a comprehensive programme including silent reading nights, author readings, book-themed quizzes and writing retreats. Over a hundred people have already signed up to attend the founding book clubs which cover general fiction, science fiction & fantasy, crime & thriller and women’s literature and culture & ideas.
“As the heart of Bristol’s cultural identity, Stokes Croft is the perfect location for the BookCellar.” said Tom Bartley, co-founder, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the messages of support from our neighbours and the city’s book-lovers and hope to make our own small contribution to a thriving creative community.”
As first time bookshop owners, Tom and Claire are supported by an experienced team of booksellers led by general manager Pete Birchenough who Bristol book-lovers will recognise from now-closed, and much missed, Stanfords and Foyles.
“This is such an exciting opportunity to build a new shop from the ground-up.” said Pete Birchenough, general manager, “So few bookshops open in the evening, and I want the BookCellar to be an obvious answer to the question: what shall we do tonight?”
Pete has curated a stocklist spanning general fiction, graphic novels, science fiction, nature writing, local interest, and children's books. Each month the BookCellar will also offer a recommended book and wine pairing, available in-store and by subscription.
"We love nothing better than curling up with a great book and a great glass," said Claire Bartley, co-founder. "When the drink complements the story, something magical happens. Pairings can be built around mood, region, or plot to heighten the tension or to give you a warm hug, whatever the story demands."
Follow the BookCellar across Facebook, Instagram & TikTok @bookcellarbristol. People can register for book clubs at www.bookcellar.uk, and the online shop will be open soon allowing people to order for collection or delivery and subscribe to book and wine pairings.
