Books / Bookshops
Bookshop to close after almost 30 years
A bookshop in Bristol is shutting its doors after almost 30 years, with its manager saying that despite its closure, “life has never been better for readers in Bristol” thanks to the number of independent bookshops across our city.
When Stanfords on Corn Street opened in 1997, it was the first Stanfords to open outside London.
There will be 40 per cent off the remaining stock up until Stanfords’ final day in Bristol on January 17, with a licence application already pinned to its front window from growing chain Pizza Pilgrims whose new restaurant will be replacing the bookshop.
The imminent closure of Stanfords comes a few months after the end of Foyles in Cabot Circus, with a spokesperson telling Bristol24/7 in September that they “are actively looking for a suitable new location in the area where we hope to reopen soon”.
Waterstones are also looking for a new location due to their current shop being in the Galleries, with planning permission already granted for a new mixed-use development on the site.
Pete Birchenough has been the manager of Stanfords in Bristol for the last four years – photo: Stanfords
In a statement, shop manager Pete Birchenough said: “It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that at 6pm on Saturday the 17th of January 2026, after near to 30 years of trading, we will be closing the doors of Stanfords Bristol for good.
“Since opening in 1997, the shop has been through thick and thin, faced all manner of challenges and has subsequently evolved to be not just the go-to destination for maps, guides and travel expertise in Bristol, but also a bookshop with character and flare, with stock carefully chosen (and loved) by the booksellers themselves.
“It’s been a real pleasure managing the shop over the last 4 years, leading a team of fantastic booksellers, engaging with our always surprising cast of customers, getting to know regulars and, best of all, sharing in a real passion for books and reading.
“The story might be over for Stanfords Bristol, but with independent bookshops thriving across the length and breadth of the city, life has never been better for readers in Bristol!”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
