Stockport is getting a new spot for books, cocktails, coffee and a fair bit of lingering, with the team behind award-winning independent Simply Books sharing a first look inside their latest venture.
Prologue is set to open at Stockport’s Weir Mill development, bringing together an independent bookshop, cocktail bar, speciality coffee shop and dedicated events space under one rather smart roof.
The team says it wants to ‘rethink what a modern bookshop can be’, and it’s now just weeks away from announcing an opening date.
“We’ve truly ripped up the bookshop rulebook to create something really special,” says Simply Books Co-owner Ben Johns. “We wanted to build somewhere that feels like much more than a place to just buy a book, somewhere people can spend time, discover something new, meet authors and become part of a literary community.”
Inside, expect floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, rolling ladders and plenty of space to settle in with a book, a coffee or something from the bar.
Prologue has been purpose-built with events firmly in mind, including a dedicated stage and green room for visiting talent. Its programme is set to span author events and book launches alongside open mics, comedy and performances.
That builds on the experience of Simply Books, which has previously welcomed names including Ruth Jones, Jodi Picoult, Harlan Coben, Jacqueline Wilson and Oti Mabuse.
There’s a rethink of the shopping side, too. Rather than being permanently tied to a till, the Prologue team will work across the shop floor with handheld devices, while a dedicated concierge desk will act as the main hub for event tickets, book recommendations and access to the venue’s wider programme.
That includes book clubs, language classes, comedy nights and live music, alongside creative writing workshops and scriptwriting classes.
For anyone who likes their reading with a side of productivity, there’ll also be a library table, reading nooks and all-day coffee, with the space designed to work as a co-working destination during the day.
One of the biggest features is a dedicated book club room, where Prologue plans to host 30 different book clubs every month. Expect everything from fantasy and romantasy to crime, thrillers and non-fiction.
There’s already plenty of interest. The first wave of Simply Books’ book clubs reportedly filled up within hours, so anyone hoping to join one at Prologue is encouraged to join the waitlist.
Alongside the clubs, the team will also run a series of language classes, adding yet another reason to hang around long after you’ve picked up your latest read.
Prologue is expected to announce its opening date in the coming weeks.