Book-ish named Britain's Best Small Shop runner-up

Indie bookshop Book-ish has been named runner-up in the annual Britain's Best Small Shop award. 

Bristol-based deli Papadeli was named the overall winner at an event hosted by the Independent Retailers Confederation at the Houses of Parliament this afternoon (5th November), celebrating independent retailers acorss the UK.

Crickhowell bookshop, Book-ish, which was shortlisted alongside fellow bookshops Kett's Books in Norfolk and The Hours Cafe Bookshop & Deli in Brecon, was named runner-up alongside The Recycled Candle Company in Exeter. 

Book-ish positions itself as a community hub running five book clubs, over 100 events annually, the Crickhowell Literary Festival and Children’s Book Festivals, a monthly cinema club and providing a home for weekly community groups as well as a carefully curated selection of books for sale.

The Best Small Shops competition is managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC). The competition celebrates the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on the UK’s High Streets and the central role they play in their local communities. 

Speaking at the event, Meryl Halls, vice chair of the IRC and m.d. of the Booksellers Association, said: “It is great to be able to celebrate the lifeblood of our high streets, our independent retailers, especially at this time of uncertainty and discord. The role of an independent retailer can seem like a thankless task but they are nothing if not survivors. Small shop owners employ local people and contribute to local communities and we are so pleased to have been able to showcase the best of independent retailing and give a vision of how engaging and exciting our high streets can be.”