Bookshop and wine bar to open in Islington

An independent bookshop and wine bar is opening in north London, promising a "warm and welcoming" space for readers.

Opening at 166 Blackstock Road in Islington, BookBar will also serve as a social hub, hosting author events, wine tastings, supper clubs and book clubs, once the UK's Covid-19 restrictions lift.

Chrissy Ryan, founder and bookseller, set up the shop to "make books accessible, fun and social", and has been operating online via her Shelf Medicate subscription service since June. She was inspired by her experiences working in bookshops around the world, from London to the Maldives.

"BookBar aims to make books inviting and accessible," she said. "Reading is an emotive thing. It's about connection; people read to feel something, to learn about other people or parts of the world, or to enjoy meeting new characters. BookBar is about bringing people together through books, about taking away the intimidation around reading, and making it as fun as binging the latest Netflix series and gossiping about it with your friends. By creating a fully integrated bookshop and wine bar, we plan to connect our customers with books and with one another. The physical space will replicate the feeling of connection that reading a book gives us."

The space is spread across two floors, with a 'wine cellar', designed to host book club meetings and for socialising. The website features the staff's recommendations, including a selection that is "getting them through lockdown".

Due to lockdown restrictions, BookBar is currently operating a click and collect service via its website and Instagram, but will be opening until 10:30 p.m. once lockdown restrictions are lifted.