Former HoZ staffer Chrissy Ryan launches BookBar

Former Head of Zeus communications director Chrissy Ryan has launched BookBar, an independent book consultation and subscription service.

The firm's initial focus will be on its Self Medicate service, which enables customers to select a bundle of titles based on a theme, which will then be selected and delivered to their door.

Billed as “prescriptions”, they are put together to “cure any literary ailment” and include the Armchair Traveller for books that have a strong sense of location, the Commute Buster containing unputdownable page-turners and the Big Thinker for the best current non-fiction.

Through a consultation service, customers can book a one-on-one appointment with a literary expert and receive their bespoke list of book recommendations and a voucher to spend with BookBar. It also has a service designed for couples who love to read.

After the Covid-19 crisis has abated BookBar will launch an events programme, bookshop and social space that aims to bring people together through books.

Ryan, whose career in the book industry has spanned roles as a bookseller, sales manager and most recently communications director at HoZ, founded the company.

She said: “BookBar’s philosophy is based around the simple idea that there is nothing better than sharing a good book.

“BookBar brings people together for discussion and entertainment and I want to build a business that emphasises the social element of reading. BookBar will be a fun, warm, welcoming space for people to discover and socialise around books. It's about the joy of reading, rather than how many books you've read that year or whether you've read the latest prize-winners.

“I have been a lover and supporter of the independent bookselling community throughout my career and I am so looking forward to re-joining their ranks with BookBar. Selling books is the thing I do best and launching a business that combines my love of books and my passion for people is the start of fulfilling a lifelong ambition.”