Not so ‘Simply Books’ begins a new chapter in Bramhall
Simply Books, a cherished independent bookshop nestled in the heart of Bramhall village, is not so ‘simply’ making waves as a vibrant community hub.
This award-winning, family-owned bookstore stands out not only for its curated selection of books but also for its unique events and social experiences, which have garnered a loyal following among locals.
Beyond book sales, Simply Books offers a range of community-focused activities like author meet-and-greets, book readings, signings, and even a wine club. Recently, the store has expanded to include a state-of-the-art café serving speciality coffee and freshly baked treats—perfect for book lovers to relax with a coffee and good read.
By the end of this month, Simply Books’ café will transform into a chic wine bar by evening, giving visitors a stylish space to unwind over a glass of wine.
The co-owners—Karen Johns, Ben Johns, and Jess Quan—have introduced several new features since taking over in early 2024, with more to come. A key addition is a series of book clubs, highly requested by the community.
According to Ben,
“The demand for book clubs has been so huge (in the several hundreds of people) that crafting the perfect schedule has been tricky and involved a monumental effort from the team. We’re so excited to say that our first book clubs will be kicking off from 25th November, focusing on adults first, before adding children’s and other regular events in the new year.”
With over 20 years of history as a community cornerstone, Simply Books is now more dynamic than ever. Karen describes their recent updates, saying,
“We overhauled the entire shop and added in a stunning café, with speciality coffee and gorgeous cake. We’ve expanded the number of events the shop does, with dozens of book clubs, author evenings, and book signings in the works. From late November, the space will turn into a plush wine bar in the evening, complementing our events and giving you the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while reading your book!”
Events at Simply Books:
Upcoming events include an evening with Manchester United journalist Andy Mitten today, on 19th November, where he’ll discuss his new book, Bring on United: Ferguson’s Golden Generation in Their Own Words.
A few days later, former Strictly Come Dancing star and presenter Janette Manrara will chat about her book Tiny Dancer, Big World: How to Find Fulfilment from the Inside Out in conversation with a well-known broadcaster.
And, visiting the bookstore in December, Matt Lucas, one of the most recognisable personalities in British television, film and theatre will be on hand for an after-school signing to celebrate his debut children’s novel, The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas: a musical book with 20 original songs.
For details on Simply Books’ events, visit their website and see how this beloved bookstore is redefining the literary and social scene in Bramhall.
