I’ve had the pleasure of painting this bookshop’s window a few times and each time I am welcomed by the same warm enthusiasm from Julia and the team. This family run independent bookshop has four locations across the UK and boasts Beauty and the Beast level sliding ladders for reaching that ESSENTIAL book! They also offer tea and coffee as you browse. I met a couple of students while I was there as they were enjoying their morning coffee. They told me that they often come here to chat as it’s such a welcoming space for them to catch up (and buy a book). It got me thinking about how important these places are for us as “third places” within our communities.

Not home, not work but a treasured third place where conversation and storytelling take center stage.