Back Alley Books

Reminder that I’m away this weekend, so no shop opening. But I would never leave you in the lurch and not recommend a fantastic place to visit in the area.

And this time it is Westbourne Bookshop a gorgeous shop on Westbourne high street, that sells brand new books, with a mix of the latest in fiction to some really nice copies of classics. It’s a proper independent bookshop with a really lovely feel to it. And they sell high quality tote bags as well. I can vouch for this as I have one!

The owner is lovely and knowledgeable, and if there’s something you’re looking for and they don’t have it, it’s no trouble for them to order it in for you within couple of days. They are open 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday.

I hope you have a lovely weekend whatever you are doing this weekend, and hope to see you next weekend.

Gorgeous weekend, today was another lovely day at the shop. It’s been my busiest weekend back since I got pneumonia. And I’m so grateful for everyone who came in.

I had my 350th customer today, and the 30th Children’s book given away for free. Big milestones. To celebrate I spent the late afternoon down the beach gossiping and playing catch in the sea like I was 10 again, in great company. So nice.

And on my way home I came across the new work of art dedicated to Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island, who lived in Bournemouth to recover from illness. I liked it.

I’m not open next weekend as I am away, but back the week after, I’ll keep you updated on here. Thanks again for being part of a dream weekend!

Today was one of those days which made me so happy that I took a leap of faith and opened this little out of the way bookshop in our Town Centre.

The number of lovely conversations I had with customers, from locals to those having a weekend away, it was incredible. Everyone was so nice and so interesting. I must have taken note of at least ten new book recommendations. And I’ll be buying them all, reading them and getting them on the shelves.

And halfway through day Calabrese sent down one of their regular customers (who was a diamond!) with a pizza slice for me. Angela and Dave are genuine legends.

And loads of customers came in because they saw my wonderful new sign.

I’m honestly chuffed to bits, thanks for all the love and purchases 🥰

Thanks again, it’s already brought in a few customers today 🔥

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SIGN PAINTER.

At Back Alley Books we can’t be accused of not doing that! We’ve finally got an A-Board hand painted by the amazing Jones Sign Co., to match our wonderful sign above the shop.

What I love about it though is it’s been paid for by you, your kindness in stopping in and buying a book or tote bag hasn’t just kept the lights on, it’s allowed me to invest in this gorgeous piece of art. So thank you so much!

We’re open again this weekend;

Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm

Looking forward to seeing you then!

One of the finest museums in the world, let alone Bournemouth, the Russell-Cotes Museum are running a competition inspired by their latest exhibition Reading the Room. And it is a competition Back Alley Books can certainly get behind. Whether you pin sentimental items to your wall, put books in a random order on the shelves or have a simpler style all together, they are asking one question:

✨ What does your space say about you? ✨

Share yours to be featured on their pages and for a chance to win two tickets to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. 🎟️🏡

To enter:
📍 Tag
📍 Use
📍 Keep your profile public



And a reminder our quirky bookshop is open until 5pm today 😇

Last weekend one of our regular (and lovely) customers drew this very cool and quirky Oystercatcher in the notebook. I wanted to share it cause I really liked it.

Anyways we are open this weekend;

Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am -2pm

Crossing my figures for more fun doodles of my favourite birds from customers far more talented than me

Today is the wedding of my oldest friend (this photo is us at my parents wedding) so no shop opening. But we will be open this weekend;

Saturday: 11 am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 2pm

It is also Isla’s 1st birthday, one of the two children our free bookshelves are dedicated to, so to celebrate such a joy filled weekend we are giving 10% off all purchases. Hope to see you there.

We are only open tomorrow 11am - 2:30pm this weekend. And I really hope I see you!

However, there are other lovely bookshops in our area. And one of those is The Crooked Book which is open all weekend. Located in between Boscombe and Pokesdown, this place is one of my favourite bookshops in the world, let alone here.

It’s cool and quirky, and a proper gem, with gorgeous homemade cakes and I’m yet to find a better cup of tea outside of my house.

Not only, do they have lots of great books but also vintage pieces of furniture and lots of little trinkets. Those who run it are lovely and the playlist is always fantastic. You find yourself shaking your hips whilst reading the blurb of a novel you’d not seen before.

One of the few down sides of having my own bookshop is I spend less time in here. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to spend a while browsing on Saturday and Sunday, can’t recommend enough.

Also they’ve currently got the biggest teapot I’ve ever seen, might be a world record, worth the visit alone.

Regardless hope you and they have a lovely weekend.