18-02-2025
3 independent North Yorkshire bookshops named finalists at British Book Awards
Three North Yorkshire bookshops have been revealed as regional finalists for Independent Bookshop of the Year.
Kemps Books & General Store in Malton, Pickering Book Tree in Pickering and The Little Ripon Bookshop in Ripon are among seven other finalists across the North of England named in the category, as part of The British Book Awards 2025.
In total, a 'record number' of submissions, including 72 independent bookshops are shortlisted across England, Scotland and Wales.
The British Book Awards 2025 Independent Bookshop of the Year Award, sponsored by book wholesaler Gardners, 'celebrates stores that reach beyond the literary landscape and bring books to the heart of local communities'.
House of Books & Friends - Manchester
Kemps Books & General Store - Malton
Linghams Bookshop - Heswall
Pickering Book Tree - Pickering
Queer Lit - Manchester
Sam Read Bookseller - Grasmere
Serenity Booksellers - Stockport
Simply Books - Bramhall
The Little Ripon Bookshop - Ripon
Wave of Nostalgia – Haworth
On Tripadvisor, Kemps has received praise from its customers, including one who said: 'Whenever we visit Malton we always pop into Kemps for a browse. In addition to books they stock a good range of quality cards and gifts, and it is clear that they select their stock with great care. Well worth a visit.'
Meanwhile, Pickering Book Tree is said to have a 'superb selection of books'.
A reviewer on Tripadvisor added: 'Good prices. The staff and owners are very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I would highly recommend this bookshop.'
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Elsewhere, The Little Ripon Bookshop was complimented for its 'great selection' of books and 'friendly and knowledgeable staff' on Google reviews.
The review continued: 'They often host events such as meet the author. The windows always look lovely. Check out their Instagram page!'
The regional and country winners of the Independent Bookshop of the Year award will be announced on Tuesday, March 11, while the overall winner will be revealed during The British Book Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House London on Monday, May 12.
