This week, PKB landed in Scotland to indulge in the country's amazing book scene.
Day 1: Edinburgh
Our first stop was Lighthouse Books and community space, where buyer Pao kindly guided us through the shop’s extensive programme of events —the beating heart of the space. From book clubs to poetry readings (and of course the Radical Book Fair in November). And where better to find love than at the First Dates Festival or the Romance Book Club?
Next up, it was time to meet Remoney at Fruitmarket, where we sat in the window lined cafe and looked through a bunch of new and bestselling titles. We had a great time and found lots of PKB highlights to pepper the bookshop. Also worth noting that CA Conrad will exhibit their poems and sculptures in the gallery next month.
Although 'warm' would be an overstretch, it was a bright enough day to appreciate the shining facade of Golden Hare Books in Stockbridge. There's something for everyone here —a mixture of adults, kids, fiction and non-fiction . We especially recommend if you are impressed by a real working fireplace within a bookshop setting (we were, very).
It’s no surprise that Typewronger founder, Tee, has earned such a stellar reputation—we had an incredibly fun time with them. Each lucky customer receives a stamp in their book along with a handmade origami animal. It’s this level of detail that truly makes independent bookshops shine.
Food-focused publication specialist The Cookbook Shop generated quite a buzz in the city even before opening its doors. We were fortunate enough to get a sneak peek a day ahead of the grand opening. Finished to perfection, the shop features a selection of cookbooks, foody zines, and other fun food-related items.
Day 2: Glasgow
Straight off the train, we found ourselves at Burning House Books to see long-time-no-see ex-colleague Aimee. One woman powerhouse, Aimee, is juggling motherhood and a writing career alongside building a special neighbourhood bookshop in Govanhill. Counterculture literary offerings sit alongside a careful selection of photobooks —keep your peepers open for some unusual objects too.
Next, we headed to bookshop-cum-print studio Good Press. Nicky (and others) is steering the ship brilliantly—and you’d be hard-pressed to find a friendlier bookshop manager. Visitors will discover an impressive selection of independent publishers’ titles, as well as boxes of excellent zines to rummage through.
Had she not told us that she'd had a morning packed with book rep meetings, we'd never have known —we found Katia of Mount Florida Books full of energy and enthusiasm for our catalogue. Another one-woman operation (Glasgow, we salute you), Mount Florida brings together literary fiction, politics, children’s books, and more. Keep an eye out for incoming PKB titles.
Now, if you like your shops with a New York basement nightclub flare, head to Ripe Mags and see Linda. Linda buys based on her own (pretty excellent) taste. Expect every cool magazine that you could wish for as well as zines, photobooks, records and a TV screening a Leonard Cohen documentary.
