7 must-visit independent bookshops, according to Penguin authors
Independent bookshops are more than just a place to buy your books. They serve and foster communities, cater to interests niche and broad, host events that bring readers together, and are run by booksellers ready to offer unbeatable recommendations for your next great read.
It's therefore little wonder that many authors have their own favourite independent bookshop. From bookish bars and cafés in London, to a Welsh-language bookshop in Cardiff, to a family business on the Isle of Skye, read on to discover seven must-visit indie bookstores that have earned a special place in Penguin authors' hearts.
Book-ish, Crickhowell, Wales
Chosen by: Ruth Jones, author of When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between, By Your Side, and Love Untold
Book-ish in Crickhowell is one of those bookshops that’s hard to leave once you’ve wandered in. Emma and her team always seem genuinely interested in helping people find something they’ll love, and the shelves are full of books you don’t see everywhere else. I especially like how connected the shop feels to the town itself, with events and recommendations that make it feel more like a community space than just a shop. I just love it!
BookBar, Chelsea, London
Chosen by: Virginia Evans, author of The Correspondent
I'll never forget walking into BookBar in Chelsea the night of my event there. The lights were dim, and the crowd was buzzing. I was greeted with such enthusiasm. What a delight! My event with Chrissy was fun, lively, and interesting, and I had the most wonderful time chatting with readers afterward. I'll never forget that night, the way it felt I was having my sort-of London debut! For this reason, BookBar will always have a special place in my heart.
Carmina Gadelica, Portree, Isle of Skye
Chosen by: J M Dalgliesh, author of the Dark Yorkshire, Hidden Norfolk, and Misty Isle series
Nestled in the heart of Portree, this independent bookshop feels like the cultural soul of Skye. Owned and run by two generations of the MacDonald family, it offers more than books. It is a curated window into life on the Isle of Skye and the wider Scottish Highlands. The shelves are filled with local voices, Highland stories, as well as art and music. Their passion and enthusiasm for the region and the creatives who inhabit it is unmatched. I’ve heard from readers across the world who first discovered my books here upon a simple recommendation. Indie bookshops such as this one don’t just sell books, they create lasting connections between stories, writers and, most importantly, our readers.
Suddenly on Sheaf Street, Daventry, West Northamptonshire
Chosen by: Joanna Miller, author of The Eights
Choosing a favourite bookshop is like choosing a favourite child: it is an impossible task. So many wonderful indies have supported The Eights: Our Bookshop Tring, Bert’s Books, The Berkhamsted Bookshop, and Chorleywood Bookshop, to name just a few.
My first author event was at Suddenly on Sheaf Street, Daventry. I will NEVER forget the moment I spotted the stunning hand-painted window featuring The Eights. The interior added to the magic with its medieval beams and oak staircase. The staff were funny, welcoming and enthusiastic, and thanks to them, the evening was a sell-out. It was a joyous event with a strong sense of community – the perfect launch for a debut author – and I’ll always be grateful.
Bàrd Books, Hackney, London
Chosen by: William Rayfet Hunter, author of Sunstruck
I’ve loved Bàrd Books ever since it opened around the corner from where I live, back in Summer 2024. It has everything you could want from a bookshop: smart, wonderful booksellers, great coffee, space to read and work, and a packed programme of events. Whether it’s for an event, a book recommendation, a flat white or just a chat, I pop in at least twice a week. It’s a wonderful community space and I feel so lucky to have it on my doorstep.
Fourbears Books, Caversham, Reading
Chosen by: Janice Hallett, author of A Box Full of Murders
With a welcoming design that encourages exploration and discovery, alongside a strong programme of lively events, Fourbears Books is the very definition of a community bookshop. Alex and his close-knit team LOVE books and that passion shines from every shelf. Their inventive approach generates instant buzz, with events ideally pitched for their target audiences, from young book lovers to literary readers and launch parties. Those I’ve taken part in at Fourbears – for adult readers and children – have been among the best I’ve ever attended. Fourbears Books is a home-from-home for readers.
Cant a Mil, Cardiff, Wales
Chosen by: Huw Aaron, author of Monkeypig, Unfairies, and Sleep Tight, Disgusting Blob
When I was a child, I couldn’t get enough of comics – from Beano to Dandy to Asterix and Tintin, it felt like I was surrounded by amazing stories to choose and immerse myself in. Fast forward to 2026 and I believe we’re once again in a golden age of children’s comic books and I’m so proud to have contributed some titles to the growing number of graphic novels and comic books available now.
The role of booksellers has been a huge part of this graphic novel boom – from personal recommendations to hand-selling at events. And most importantly giving customers the time and opportunity: to pick up a book, to flick through the pictures, to read the last page, to chew on the corners. And make a book choice based on all the senses, and not just pixels on a screen.
Cant a Mil, my incredible local independent in Cardiff, have been an amazing example of the impact a passionate and knowledgeable bookseller can have, welcoming readers in both English and Welsh and guiding them towards finding exactly the right next read. The support they’ve shown my books throughout my career has been fantastic and now I’m delighted to support them during Independent Bookshop Week 2026.