A small bookshop has narrowly missed out on being named the best in the country.

Kemp Town Bookshop in St George’s Road, Brighton, was voted the top independent bookshop in the South East and London regional heats of the Gardners Independent Bookseller of the Year Award.

But it lost out the UK title at a ceremony on Monday night.

Despite this setback, the recognition is a boost at a time when the bookselling industry is suffering from the downturn in consumer spending and increased competition from supermarkets.

Shop manager Kristian Berggreen said the business had only managed to survive because of its large base of loyal customers and through selling greetings cards and limited-edition prints, which make up about quarter of its revenue.

He said: “We can’t compete directly with supermarkets on price but you can’t walk into Tesco and order a book.

“We provide a unique service because we can order from two major wholesalers and most requests can be delivered by the next day.

“We also search for out-ofprint and second-hand books.

“Our customers are aware they might be able to get books cheaper elsewhere but they would rather use us.”

The shop also runs courses in drawing, creative writing and even singing as well as author events.

Earlier this year, it invited Alexander McColl Smith to meet readers at St George’s Church.

Neill Denny, editor-in-chief of award sponsor The Bookseller, said: “The judging panel was amazingly impressed with the Kemp Town Bookshop – a vibrant, exciting shop that brings books to life and is loved by its customers.

“A good independent like this is at the centre of its community and reaches out with events and reading groups.”