A Brighton bookshop has been named one of the best independent bookshops in the whole of the UK.

Kemptown Bookshop in St George's Road was included among the 12 listed by The Times.

Discussing the creation of the list, the newspaper wrote: "We published our pick of the best browsable independent bookshops across the country last week — highlighting those places that combined books with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

"We asked for your favourites, and dozens of readers got in touch to suggest their own local independent bookshops. Here we’ve picked out the best responses."

The full list of the best independent bookshops in the UK can be found on The Times website here.

What did The Times say about Kemptown Bookshop in Brighton?

In the recommendation from Robert Hamberger, Kemptown Bookshop was described as having a "welcoming atmosphere" as well as "friendly well-informed staff".

They wrote: "Since the new owner, Cathy Hayward, took over the long-established bookshop a couple of years ago, she and her friendly well-informed staff have rejuvenated it.

"Kemptown Bookshop is now one of the hubs of the area, with a storytelling hour for children on Saturday mornings, book launches and events, a regular 5.30am writing session; book groups and a café upstairs that doubles as a writing space.

"Their ordering service is second to none, and it has a buzzy, welcoming atmosphere."

On its website, Kemptown Bookshop says: "The Kemptown Bookshop is Brighton’s award-winning independent bookshop.


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"Established 50 years ago, it has three floors of books for both adults and children. There is a fast, often next day, ordering service for books not in stock."

In terms of its events it adds: "We are passionate about supporting local authors, encouraging aspiring writers and generating debate about all things books.

"Most of our events are free to attend and we welcome everyone, no matter how you identify or how others perceive you."