Browsing Britain’s Bookshop: The Browsers Bookshop, Porthmadog

Hi all!

My name is Chiara and I am a Bookworm.

I hope that you are all doing well.

I’ve decided to start something new on my blog. Last week I told you about my new favourite book. Bookshop Tours of Britain by Louise Boland.

Well, it’s been nearly a month since I bought this book and I’ve been trying to tick off as many as I can. So far I’ve ticked off seven, including the one I ticked off by accident before I even knew that the book existed.

I think I mentioned Browsers Bookshop in my review of Bookshop Tours of Britain, but I didn’t tell you much about it.

Me and the family were staying about ten minutes away from Porthmadog in Borth-y-gest and we were in that bookshop nearly every other day. We spent so much money between us that we went through two loyalty cards in the time.

Every visit we were welcomed into the shop by a member of staff. I think this was mostly for social distancing and to limit the number of people in the store. But they were incredibly friendly and made sure that we knew where to find everything before they went back to the counter and there was always someone flitting around ready to help if you needed it. This is a big thing for me, staff interaction. Not just them being there, but willing to talk to you, they have opinions on books and they know what they’re talking about.

The shop wasn’t huge but there was a really large range of choice. They had a brilliant collection of LGBTQ books and a small, but varied range of children’s and teen books. And in the back room they had an excellent art shop for those who are interested. I wouldn’t say the shop is cramped, it’s a little on the small side, with a lot packed in, but I personally I didn’t feel claustrophobic, or cramped like people were going to be constantly bumping into me.

It is definitely a shop to go back to and if you’re ever in that part of the country, or fancy a holiday in North Wales, then I recommend a trip to Porthmadog. Also there is some amazing ice cream just a few doors down and excellent views out to sea.

If you want to find out more about your bookshop go to their website, or even find them on Bookshop.org