Books You've Always Meant to Read

At the beginning of January, once all the Christmas chaos had settled and we were well into plans and preparations for our coffee shop, we decided we wanted to test out a new section for adults in the shop. As you probably know, we have always stocked a selection of titles for our grown up customers, but we wanted to try something a bit different.

We've therefore introduced a new section of 'Books You've Always Meant to Read'. Using our combined literary knowledge and some book trade research, we have come up with a selection of books that might have always been on your 'must read' list, but you've never quite managed to get around to. From The Great Gatsby to The Kite Runner, The Woman in White to The Godfather and The Handmaid's Tale to The Shining, there is something for everyone to get their teeth into.

We're really enjoying coming up with the list but it's making our to-read piles even higher!

So, for your next holiday, long train journey or to read while relaxing with a coffee, why not try one of our 'Books You've Always Meant to Read'?

Over at our reviews blog, GT member of staff Polly has talked about one of her favourite books - Pride and Prejudice - which has already proved to be a popular title in our new section... Click here to read Polly's review.

The perks

Occasionally we get to take home some cake from the coffee shop, otherwise known as 'the perks'! Today it is a simply delicious lemon drizzle sponge. I can definitely vouch for the yum factor in this cake.

Rajesh and his mum

Our mother's day colouring competition was a storming success again and our windows were full of brilliant entries!

We choose two creative and colourful pictures and Rajesh was one of our happy winners. He popped in today to enjoy his prize, which was tea and cake with his mum in our new coffee shop. He enjoyed a salted caramel cookie, orange and mango smoothie and mum had a yummy chocolate sponge and a rich Americano.

Asked if he was enjoyed his prize, we just got a very smiley face and mouthful of cookie!

The Norway love affair

Anna is back from her epic trip to Tromso in Norway and she brought back a wolf and yummy chocolates. What more could you ask for?

The next post will be from her, telling us how a full on love affair has blossomed with Norway. London seems so boring now!

Anna's wolf encounter

On the last day of her epic trip to Norway, Anna went to meet some handsome wolves. Here is one very happy lady.

Can we all go?

Well we have it, proof that Anna hasn't taken two weeks off to play the fruit machines in Southend. Here she is with her team of fellow Aurora Chasers, pictured with the very active and just magical Northern Lights. Beaming under her furry hat and long cosy scarf, we all want to be there. Can we close the shop and go?

The only way is up

When not dangerously charging through snow on huskies, Anna our intrepid explorer bookseller (sorry Anna, 'Aurora Chaser') has enjoyed the sights and sounds of Tromso. The cable cars have given her some stunning views of the city, we're so very jealous.

"Amazing!"

Anna saw the lights! She saw the lights! After much anticipation we have had word from our explorer, that she did indeed get to see the spectacle of the northern lights. In the company of the very brilliant guide Kjetil Skogli (Joanna Lumley's guide don't you know!), she was completely gobsmacked. Still speechless many hours later, she sent us this official badge she received last night.

Philip Pullman + Northern Lights = a very excited bookseller

Our intrepid assistant manager Anna has taken to her snow boots to explore Norway in search of the great northern lights! A lifelong dream trip, Anna has planned this in her head since forever! We're looking forward to hearing all about it. Here is one of her fellow guests at the hotel enjoying the atmosphere.

Latte anyone?

We're so pleased with the coffee shop and we have had such a lovely response from our customers and also some new customers! Here are some photos we took in the morning. Customers are loving the rich and fruity taste of Monmouth coffee and it's a wonderful welcome scent as you enter the shop!

The coffee shop is a great space for meeting friends, stopping by for a quality takeaway coffee, catching up with your pre and post baby groups, enjoying 25mins to yourself with a cup of tea (story time every Thursday 11am) and a whole host of other reasons! This is a perfect family friendly space and we really look forward to welcoming you.