Some of you have already seen the news but if you haven’t, the most extraordinary thing happened on Monday evening…

The British Book Awards, aka The Nibbies, are an annual celebration of books and everyone who brings them to life. Often described as the BAFTAs of the book world, they affirm, connect and energise all who have a hand in creating books and all who read them, by showcasing the authors and illustrators who have stirred our hearts and imaginations, and the industry behind the scenes who have brought them to readers.

This year’s celebrations returned to Grosvenor House London on Monday evening (23rd May 2022) alongside a livestream ceremony for those who could not attend in person.

Dee, Cathie and Andrew were invited to represent The Bookery as the winner of the South West Independent Bookshop of the Year. Speaking about the Country and Regional winners Tom Tivnan, The Bookseller’s managing editor, said “This was undoubtedly the most competitive year we have ever had for Independent Bookshop of the Year, and these nine shops should feel justly proud for claiming their regional and country crowns when their fellow indies have also been flourishing.”

“Although there are different models here, from long-time family-run shops to a community-run not-for-profit, the common thread is constant innovation and unwavering support for local communities.”

The British Book Awards were hosted by Lauren Laverne and Rhys Stephenson, with over 1,000 people from across the book industry gathering for the event in the largest ballroom in Europe.

With The Bookery nationally shortlisted in two categories, Independent Bookshop of the Year and the Children’s Bookseller of the Year, we were astounded, humbled and delighted to win BOTH categories and bring home two awards. Huge thanks to the phenomenal recognition by the judges:

“The wins are rewards for The Bookery’s phenomenal work—not just as a bookseller but as a force for good in its area”

“The Bookery could inspire any other bookshop that wants to be led by the community and go beyond the usual base of customers,” said the judges. “It knows the power of books to change children’s lives, and absolutely nails everything it does.”

Read more here about the Book of the Year winners here.