Typically, a literature lover will utter “Oh, I could spend all day in a bookshop” to everyone that makes eye contact with them. Often a slight overstatement, sure, but offer them wine and a space to chat about prose until close? Then, the bookish brigade will be exaggerating this declaration no more when they find the worlds of bookshops and wine bars colliding.
Blackstock Road’s BookBar nails this very idea; making what is, by many, viewed as a solitary activity into a communal hangout.
Every time you finish a great book, you inevitably want to shout about it to anyone who will listen. And while your housemate might nod along politely to you waxing lyrical about Monica Helsey’s Really Good, Actually, on your quiet night in; really, you want to be speaking about your favourite chapters at places like BookBar.
Founder Chrissy Ryan recognises the concept of losing yourself in a book, and raises you with the idea of sharing your love of literature with friends over a glass of wine. Calling BookBar a “warm, welcoming space for people to discover and socialise around books”, it’s simply a place to share what inspires you about the items you’re surrounded by in the space: books!
Head down and you also might catch sight of one of our Secret London stickers, which signify our very favourite places around the city!
Secret London’s visit to BookBar
Our resident videographer Phoebe visited BookBar last year, and quickly dubbed it her new favourite bookstore in London.
With books tucked into every corner, a recommendation wall on a blackboard to help you pick out your next read in their downstairs cellar, great coffee and “generously poured” wine, it’s safe to say this place is widely recommended on all fronts by the Secret London team.
What’s happening at BookBar?
Aside from just being a brilliant space for a drink and shouting about the genius of The Island Of Missing Trees, BookBar hosts inclusive events throughout the year for the community to revel in.
At sessions with authors speaking about their work, you can hear authors you love or perhaps are just discovering speak about their work. BookBar’s BookClub’s upcoming sessions include inspiration from US critic Lauren Oyler, who is speaking about her essay collection – named No Judgement – to Sheena Patel, author of the acclaimed I’m A Fan, on March 5 at Saltine.
Later in the month, on March 25, you can also attend another session at Saltine to listen to Chimene Suleyman, who writes about the politics of race and immigration in the media, speak about her new book The Chain in conversation with British-Australian writer Lucia Osborne-Crowley.
There’s also live music, wine-tastings and even “read-dating”, where you might ignite a modern-day Bennet-Darcy situation.
BookBar also names a Book Of The Month and a Wine Of The Month — this month’s read is Come And Get It by Kiley Reid, and you can grab yourself a glass of the month’s chosen wine for £6 when purchased alongside a copy.
BookBar Bookclub
If you’ve ever fantasised about joining a book club, then you should join one with all these perks thrown in. Each month, you’ll get a paperback chosen by the team, followed by a virtual event with the author you can access live or f0r 30 day afterwards. Plus, each BookBar Bookclub member will be able to join an in-person discussion group each month to enjoy a drink and a chat. You’ll also get 10% off the BookBar hardback of the month, a 90-day MUBI membership and store discounts throughout the year. It’s £15 for a month at the club, and you can find out more here.
Shelf-Medicate
Flicking through pages proves to be a natural remedy all year round, and BookBar’s programme Shelf Medicate is (probably) scientifically proven to give the blues a kicking. Flick through these prescription boxes, each with their own name and description.
Perhaps you’re in need of the “Sophisticated Reader Prescription” a tonic best served to those who wish to impress with a cocktail of “classics and current trends”. Or maybe, you need the shot-in-the-arm of “Commute Buster”, a package of thrilling page-turners to speed up a daily journey.
Shelf-Medicate bundles are selected for each individual order, and this personal touch is ideal for anyone looking to reaffirm their love of reading. Plus, you’ll be able to rave about them all when you rock up to an evening at BookBar, with your glass of wine in tow.
“It’s never about how many books you’ve read that year or whether you’ve read the latest prize-winners” Chrissie Ryan adds on her website. “At BookBar, books are social.”
Find out more about BookBar on their website and check out their Instagram page. BookBar can be found at 166 Blackstock Road, N5 1HA.