Nantwich Bookshop looks to open new chapter with move

The owners of Nantwich Bookshop could soon be moving from their iconic town square building after putting their coffee shop up for sale.

Steve and Denise Lawson took over the bookshop on High Street in 2003 and opened their popular coffee lounge a year later.

But now they are looking to sell the coffee shop business and hoping to move from the 16th century timber-framed building to a new location in the town.

Denise told Nantwich News: “This has been a very hard decision to make.

“Steve and I are hoping to be able to slow down a bit.

“These things can sometimes take time, with us both being over 60, we thought that 20 years in food and beverage is a good time to try and retire to just a Bookshop.

“We are very keen to keep an independent Bookshop in Nantwich.”

The coffee lounge business is being advertised for sale as a 135+ seat venue with 40+ additional alfresco seating.

It is taking £13,500 per week in the cafe only, with rent of £693 per week + VAT.

The advert also says there is “scope to extend the current opening hours” which are currently 9am to 5pm Mon-Sat and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

“Surrounded by many independent businesses, shops, cafes, bars and public houses and residential, benefits from high levels of passing trade and well established,” the advert continues.

It is currently on a 10-year lease from October 2023, with five yearly rent reviews.

Steve and Denise, originally from South Africa, moved to England 24 years ago to start a new life with their two daughters, Samantha and Christine.

After taking over the shop and opening the coffee lounge, they were the first in the town to successfully apply for outdoor seating and alfresco dining.

They also launched a series of special Bookshop talks and events at the shop and other locations, as well as running a Santa’s Grotto upstairs each Christmas.

The family held a celebratory 20th birthday event at Malbank School in 2023.