The annual British Book Awards recognise thriving independent stores offering creative activities at the heart of their communities.
Judges of the 2026 Independent Bookshop of the Year Award have ranked the 76 stores around the country who have boosted sales in the face of cost-of-living and business-rate pressures.
BookBar in Blackstock Road, Islington has been named as a regional finalist with winners announced on Tuesday March 10 and the overall award handed out on Monday May 11.
Over in Hackney, Burley Fisher Books which has just celebrated 10 years in Kingsland Road Dalston, and The Common Press LGTB bookshop and cafe in Bethnal Green Road have also been shortlisted as regional finalists.
As its name suggests, BookBar is both a bookshop and a coffee shop and wine bar which was founded in 2021 by former publisher Chrissy Ryan to “bring people together through books”.
She opened a second store in Chelsea last year and runs a book club and in person events – encouraging booklovers to browse and stay for a glass of wine or a coffee.
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Posting on Instagram BookBar said: “We’re a regional finalist for Independent Bookshop of the Year! 2025 was a huge year for us and we as a team are so thankful to our incredible community for supporting and championing us every step of the way.
“It’s an honour to be recognised in such esteemed company and we don’t envy the judges having to make the decision!
“Congrats to all our bookselling friends across the country who are banging the drum for books and community at a time when it feels harder and more important than ever. We’re so proud to be in your gang.”
Editor of The Bookseller Tom Tivnan said: “We all know the current travails of the high street in general, but indies across the UK and Ireland are meeting the difficulties with grit, innovation and community spirit.
“What impresses is how these shops are nimbly and proactively moving into areas that tap into local needs, such as launching festivals, fundraisers, wellness groups and supporting local schools.
“All this on top of the core mission of spreading the joy of books, which indies arguably do better and with more passion than any other sector.”
