BookBar
Photo Credit: Martin Nosek
New Bookshops
You could be forgiven for thinking that, unless you manufacture lateral flow tests, opening a new venture during a pandemic isn’t a great idea. However, more than 60 new bookshops were started over the last two years, and many seem to be thriving. Ordering books online was a saviour for many people during the various lockdowns and, now that we’re out and about again, the demand for bookshops is at an all-time high – not only because book-buying is back on the up, but also because these little spaces are hubs of understanding, empathy, and human connection, which we all need an extra dose of right now.
Where is it? London
Who’s the owner? Chrissy Ryan
When did it open? Spring 2021
Chrissy Ryan is more aware than most that bookshops are social, community spaces. And yet, over her time working in the book industry, she noticed that some people can be put off from visiting bookshops, as they can feel overwhelming – particularly for those who assume they don’t belong. This realisation propelled Chrissy to think about how to create a bookshop that feels open to everybody – whether or not they consider themselves readers. The result is BookBar; a space that can be used as a relaxed wine bar, a friendly bookshop, or a bit of both. The result of creating this multifunctional space is that many people who may not ordinarily visit their local bookshop find themselves browsing the books while enjoying an evening tipple.
With business and entrepreneurship running through her family, Chrissy had always contemplated starting a business, so she began building an online brand that would soon become BookBar during the first lockdown. As soon as Chrissy found a space in the right location – a road in Islington that needed a new evening spot – BookBar’s online presence became a reality. Having worked as a bookseller at Primrose Hill Books, the day-to-day of running a bookshop came naturally to Chrissy, who had also worked directly with independent bookshops around the country in her most recent role in the publishing industry.
Throughout her time in the book industry, Chrissy worked closely with so many wonderful independent bookshops – both in the UK and around the world – that picking a favourite is simply impossible. Each bookshop has its own unique charm, whether it’s a sprawling book haven like Foyles, or a smaller, more curated shop like Burly Fisher or Lighthouse Books in Edinburgh. And yet, Chrissy assures me that there is no one bookshop that she could credit for the inspiration behind BookBar – and it really does feel like BookBar and its ethos truly is a wonderfully unique brand that Chrissy hopes to replicate across the country.
Not only a beautiful bar and a welcoming bookshop, BookBar also offers incredible author events, a growing book club, and a shelf medicate book subscription that is the antithesis of the dreaded algorithm and, with so many more opportunities for growth, I’m certain that Chrissy has just scratched the surface of what BookBar could become.
