Author Iain Sinclair was among those who attended the opening of Burley Fisher Books last week — a new independent bookshop in Hackney.
Burley Fisher Books was launched by longtime bookseller Jason Burley, owner of Camden Lock Books which opened in 1984 and specialises in photographic, art and local history books.
Burley told Londonist he wants to attract a younger crowd to the new bookshop: "Camden Lock Bookshop is a bit more claustrophobic and because of its location in Old Street station we get passing trade, whereas in this space we want people to stop and have a chat as well as a browse."
Many bookshops, like Pages of Hackney down the road, realise the importance of hosting regular events to increase trade and engage with the local community. Alongside the usual classics, fiction, non-fiction and poetry, Burley Fisher will sell coffee and hold regular events. The first reading features London based poet and academic Sophie Mayer, whose writing explores queer and feminist issues in experimental film and literature. (More details tbc.)
The launch day attracted a bustling crowd, proving our love for a good solid paperback hasn't lost its appeal to the kindle/ereader generation. And Burley is in it for the long run, having secured a 15 year tenancy.
The shop will also provide a space for independent presses. And of course there's a strong London shelf.
Burley Fisher Books is located on 400 Kingsland Road near Haggerston overground station.