book-ish

book-ish is an independent bookshop based in Crickhowell, a small town in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) area of Wales, United Kingdom. It was founded in 2019 by Emma Corfield-Walters, who opened the shop after a career in teaching and a lifelong love of books. The store operates from a physical premises in Crickhowell and also sells books online through its own website, offering a curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and local interest titles. Beyond retail, book-ish has become known for its strong community focus. It hosts author events, book clubs, and literary festivals, and it runs an online book club that gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical events were restricted. The shop has been recognised in the UK bookselling trade, including being named Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2022. This award helped raise its profile beyond Wales and cemented its reputation as one of the UK's leading independent bookshops. book-ish is a private, independent business, not part of a chain or a publicly listed company. It remains owned and run by its founder. Its operating market is primarily the United Kingdom, with online sales extending its reach. The shop is often cited as an example of how independent bookshops can thrive by building a community around events, recommendations, and a strong local identity.

book-ish was founded in 2019 by Emma Corfield-Walters in Crickhowell, a town in the Brecon Beacons (now Bannau Brycheiniog) in Wales. Corfield-Walters had previously worked as a teacher and had long been involved in community and literary activities. She opened the shop with the aim of creating a welcoming space for readers in the local area, combining a carefully curated book selection with a programme of events. The shop quickly established itself as a hub for the local community, hosting author talks, book clubs, and children's storytelling sessions. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, book-ish adapted by moving much of its activity online. Its online book club, which featured authors discussing their work, attracted a national and even international audience, helping to sustain the business during a difficult period for physical retail. In 2022, book-ish won the Independent Bookshop of the Year award at the British Book Awards. This recognition brought wider attention to the shop and highlighted its success in combining retail with community engagement. The award is considered one of the most prestigious in UK bookselling. Since then, book-ish has continued to operate from its Crickhowell premises and online, maintaining its events programme and its role as a local literary hub. It remains an independent, privately owned business.

• 2022

  Won Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards.

• 2020

  Adapted to COVID-19 restrictions by expanding online events and book club.

• 2019

  book-ish founded by Emma Corfield-Walters in Crickhowell, Wales.

Community-focused independent bookshop with a curated selection and strong events programme.

• Books (fiction, non-fiction, children's)

• Online book club membership

• Gifts and stationery

1. 1book-ish on Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2book-ish official websitebook-ish.co.uk