Indie bookshop ‘Novel’ hopes to have found its forever home on School Road in Crookes, which opened its doors on Saturday 27th July.
Owners Kate and Joe first set up Novel as a travelling bookshop in Summer 2022, selling at markets and events across Sheffield. Their dreams of finding permanent premises have now become reality, and the shop has already attracted book-lovers from across the city in huge numbers.
Novel’s handpicked collection consists of the finest contemporary fiction and non-fiction from a broad range of genres, with many unique and thought-provoking titles.
Kate explained: “We wanted to avoid filling the shop with the books you can find in supermarkets or on the buy-one-get-one-half-price table at Waterstones, but instead books which really leave an impression on the reader.”
Photo: Liam Rimmington (@liamrimmingtonphoto)
With a distinct community-led approach, much of Novel’s collection consists of books recommended directly by their customers.
Kate said: “Back when we started Novel up, we had read and enjoyed everything we stocked. This model would be completely impossible after expanding to the full book shop, so it’s been great to get recommendations from others!”
While Novel will always be a bookshop first and foremost, Kate and Joe are committed to turning their spot into the ultimate hangout destination for the local community. The shop’s back-room has been transformed into a cosy café, boasting the finest baked goods and hot drinks from beloved bakery I Said Bread.
Photo: Liam Rimmington (@liamrimmingtonphoto)
The shop will also allow the pair to expand the capacity of their regular book club meetings and set up other in-person events, hoping to host author meets and pop-ups once they’re settled in.
Novel is the latest addition to Sheffield’s ever-growing indie bookshop scene, making the Steel City a major destination for readers from far and wide.
“There has been a noticeable independent bookshop resurgence since lockdowns ended, and a growing enthusiasm for reading. We appreciate visiting other small businesses – each has their own distinct flavour and brings something exciting to the communities they serve,” Kate added.
For the latest updates on everything going on at Novel, check out their website and Instagram
Words: Ruby Deakin
