Lockwood Jefford wins Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize

The winners of the 2023 Brick Lane Bookshop Short Story Prize have been announced, as the indie launches its new anthology.  

The prize was created in 2019 as a celebration of the short story form and the resilience of independent booksellers. Funded by the east London indie, the competition is open to all UK residents and seeks to discover, publish and promote new, exciting and diverse voices in fiction. 

First prize of £1,000 was awarded to K Lockwood Jefford for “Kissing in Berlin”. The winner also receives professional support and guidance from the bookshop’s partners Mushens Entertainment and Spread the Word. The second prize of £250 went to Leeor Ohayon for “Lots” while Harper Walton won the £100 third place prize for "Oyster Shell Ashtray".  

Also unveiled was the 2023 anthology, which includes 12 stories from longlisted writers. The winners were announced at the bookshop on Thursday 2nd November, chosen by judges Kiya Evans (Mushens Entertainment), Gurnaik Johal, author of We Move (Serpent’s Tail) and Melissa Cox, publishing director for Zaffre at Bonnier Books.