As well as selling new releases and old classics, The Heath is a ‘safe space’ in the community
Catherine Gale and Claire Dawes of The Heath Bookshop
A Birmingham bookshop whose customers include comedian Joe Lycett has been named the very best in Britain at the British Book Awards.
The Heath Bookshop on Kings Court in Kings Heath won the Independent Bookshop of the Year gong at the 35th annual awards.
Bosses Catherine Gale and Claire Dawes were in attendance to collect the prize, shouting-out the Kings Heath community following the win.
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The booksellers posted on Instagram: “What a night! We’re definitely still in shock after winning Independent Bookshop of the Year at The British Book Awards last night.
“It was so special and we were delighted that our brilliant, bookseller Abi was there to share it with us.”
The pair thanked the judges and sponsors of the event before adding: “Most of all thanks to all the people who have bought books from us, been to an event, bought online through bookshop.org, bought a coffee or just come in for a chat. We can’t exist without you.
“Kings Heath is a vibrant, diverse, creative, and supportive community and we’re so lucky to be a part of it.
“We wanted to create a safe space for anybody and everybody and hoped people would see themselves reflected on our shelves and at the heart of everything we do. We never expected the support we’ve had!
“As Claire said last night, come to Birmingham, it’s not s**t! Catherine and Claire.”
Claire and Catherine shared the story of The Heath Bookshop with us after they opened in 2022.
They spoke then of their author events, book clubs and coffee get-togethers and the programme of activities continues.
After sharing their good news, members of the community shared their support.
Comedian and Kings Heath resident Joe Lycett wrote: “Wowee!” while Enjoy Kings Heath wrote: “Congratulations! Kings Heath is lucky to have you!”
Reviewers have given The Heath Bookshop a near-perfect 4.8 stars out of five on Google Reviews, with George Prince calling it ‘absolutely stunning’ and Edward Palmer saying it was ‘one of our favourite places in Birmingham’.
The Heath Bookshop is at Kings Court, 94 High St, Kings Heath, B14 7JZ.