Yesterday’s Independent contained a feature on Britain’s best 50 bookshops; the sort of list which is probably rather meaningless, but which nevertheless is a good chance to catch up on a few places one might not know about, and of course to track the inclusion (or otherwise) of our favourite shops. Predictably, Hove’s lovely City Books is on the list (it always is).
8. City Books
"City Books has to go on my best of the bookshops list," states Sara. "This bookshop has been in business for 25 years and I was drawn back to it again and again, dollying between the two floors, when I was down in Brighton last year researching my latest book". The staff, she adds, are charming.
Where: 23 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AF (01273 725306; city-books.co.uk)
Well, that’s all well and good. If you live in or near Brighton, you definitely need to get down there more often; it’s a terrific shop. But for the sake of balance, can I just express a moment of frustration that Kemp Town’s equally wonderful Kemp Town Books is not in the list, and seems to be a little less well known nationally. It really really deserves a mention; a wonderful atmosphere, delightful staff and a lovely cafe upstairs. If you’ve not been, go.
91. St. George’s Road, Brighton, Sussex, BN2 1EE
picture by Eva.
