A Welsh bookshop has been announced as the overall winner of the Independent Bookshop of the Year Award by the The British Book Awards 2023. Griffin Books in Penarth is the "smallest shop ever" to claim the top spot, after previously being named the country winner in Wales.
Griffin Books opened its doors in 2014 and is a community focused independent bookstore, known for hosting excellent author events, book signings, weekly toddler story time sessions and a number of book clubs for adults, children and teens. The store was praised for its adaptability, emerging from Brexit, the pandemic, and cost-of-living crisis closer to its community and stronger than ever.
Mel Griffin, 58, owner of Griffin Books, spoke to WalesOnline about winning the award. She said: "It's absolutely mindblowing. We all do what we do day in and day out and are so passionate about it, but you don't always realise the impact you're having in the community around you and the wider bookselling community, so it's just fantastic to get that recognition."
