Second Page — Local services in Bristol

I was in Bristol as I am every month to visit family. I popped into Waterstones within to have a browse and heard that there is an independent book shop on the top floor. Si headed upstairs to have a look and I thought it was going to be tiny but I was presently surprised.

The shop has a well presented window display either side of the entrance and on stepping into the store the staff were all busy putting stock onto the shelves but not too busy to not stop and chat with customers.

After chatting with staff about my current read, past reads and trending books. I went to have a browse of the many shelves, and didn't know where to start. I started at the front and slowly worked my way to the rear of the store. the shelves are layered out in alphabetical order with house bricks painted with letters of the alphabet.

I saw several books that adorn my shelves at home sat on my TBR so was certain I would find a book that took my fancy. The store is well layered out and makes browsing easy. The store has a beautiful wooden floor with a beautiful rug at the entrance to give shoppers a real homely feel.

The central tables were tidy, well presented and more painted bricks could be found advertising books. The attention to detail has clearly played a part in setting up the display tables.

As I made my way down the narrow isle towards the rear of the store I was in for a pleasant surprise. The rear of the store opened up into a wide, well lit open space with comfy chairs and a very comfy inviting sofa to sit and read. There was even a lamp that looked like the one my Nan had.

the rear of the store is really homely a small table and another beautiful rug. I picked up a copy of Date Night by Samantha Hates which is published Bookouture (16 Aug. 2019).

I paid slightly more for a second handbook than I'd have liked but I was happy with the shopping experience, the atmosphere, the customer service that I left a very happy customer and would return again...

A warm welcome to the second hand book trade in Bristol - l have been collecting books for over 50 years and remember the beginning of the 1970's Bristol had over sixteen second hand bookshops but with the advance of purchasing on line most closed. To me and thousands of other book lovers searching, handling, discovering books is a joy and l am in full admiration regarding the amiable ,knowledgeable Simon who has opened a splendid spacious bookshop in the heart of Bristol at the Galleries, thousands of books are easy to find as the subjects, categories are displayed throughout the shop For those who collection fiction you will discover a huge selection upon entering l was amazed with the whole volume of stock all reasonably priced - a delight was a large selection of 'local Bristol' books a seating area a joy to relax looking over ones chosen. Simon will search customers 'wanted list's A vast majority of books are not priced due to time as the business has just opened You simply hand the chosen books and Simon or one of his friendly team members will tell you the price- l spent an hour in the shop pleased at finding some titles on my wants list. Thoroughly recommended perfect for people locally on their lunch break. I noticed students, mums with children, couples all happily discovering and searching the titles that...

Excellent store, which has exactly what I needed and incredible service.

I recently came to the store because I wanted to buy some secondhand books to make collages with my friends for 2025. I originally bought one children's book, a Mr. Man annual and as I was paying, Simon and I got chatting. I told him I didn't want to buy anything too nice as it would be a waste to cut them up and he showed me to a different part of the building with an incredible number of magazines and more battered books that he would be happy for me to buy at a reduced price. I found such a variety with sticker books, vintage magazines and even a copy of Hamlet from 1905 that had fallen to pieces. I sent so many options to my friends including titles like 'objects placed on my cat' and unusual local maps.

My friends and I had such a fun time reading through the books and making collages. I'm so grateful that Simon let me pick out so many books and magazines and he priced them for me at such a reasonable price. It's clear the shop is full of a variety of good quality books both new & old but it's so nice to know there's also opportunities for the crafty! Second Page is so good for creatives and I'll be sure to...