Portobello wins National Book Tokens Newcomer of the Year award

The Portobello Bookshop in Edinburgh has triumphed as the inaugural winner of the National Book Tokens Newcomer of the Year award.

Located in Edinburgh’s seaside suburb of Portobello, The Portobello Bookshop opened its doors in July 2019, bringing an independent bookshop to the thriving local community for the first time.

National Book Tokens has selected The Portobello Bookshop as the inaugural recipient of its new annual award in light of its first year’s sales performance.

Jack Clark, founder of The Portobello Bookshop, said: "We're really thrilled to have won this award from National Book Tokens. As a new bookshop we couldn't be happier with the response we've had from our local community, and from the industry in general, and this award is really encouraging. National Book Tokens are a really valuable scheme and we've been extremely pleased to see so many readers visiting the shop this January to spend ones they received for Christmas.

National book Tokens managing director Alex de Berry said: "As the BA membership figures attest, high street bookshop numbers are back in growth and the sector is attracting energetic, creative and entrepreneurial business owners. We’ve decided to recognise the first-year successes in the sector by creating this award. The Portobello Bookshop is a fantastic addition to the flourishing Edinburgh bookselling scene, operating as a general bookshop with a strong event programme and passionate and experienced staff."

The Portobello Bookshop wins a mega hamper to share among the team, a trophy and publicity via National Book Tokens’ local marketing platform, Caboodle.

Photo by Paula Russell Photography