Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you sell gift vouchers?

  Yes, we do! You can buy them online here.

  We also sell and accept National Book Tokens, so if you’ve received one as a gift, you’re welcome to use it at the BookCellar.

• Can I book a table for my book group?

  Absolutely. Please email us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

  For groups larger than 6–8 people, we may seat you in our downstairs meeting room, depending on availability.

• Can’t find what you’re looking for?

  We stock over 2,500 titles at the BookCellar, but we know there are always more books out there.

  If you’re searching for a particular title, we can usually order it in for you. Orders placed before 4pm are typically available for collection the next working day.

  As a little thank you, when you come to collect your order, your hot drink is on us.

  And if you’re not quite sure what you’re after, our booksellers are always happy to recommend a few favourites.

• What’s your policy on kids, dogs and laptops?

  We’re both child-friendly and dog-friendly. Laptops are welcome until 7pm too.

  We simply ask that you’re mindful of others who may be enjoying a quiet read nearby, so please keep noise and calls to a minimum.

• Can I browse with a glass of wine?

  Due to licensing regulations (and to avoid unwanted book spills), all drinks must be enjoyed while seated at a table.

  Please find a seat before ordering at the bar. If you’d like to browse for your next read, just leave your glass at the table while you explore the shelves.

• Do you offer non-alcoholic options?

  We do. Alongside our wines, beers and ciders, we offer a range of non-alcoholic drinks including Clear Head alcohol-free beer, kombucha, soft drinks, premium filter coffee from Bristol-based Boona Boona, and a selection of teas from Bristol Twenty.

• Do you cater for dietary requirements?

  All of our cakes are vegan, and we also offer gluten-free crackers to accompany our cheese boards.

  If you have any allergy or dietary questions, please just ask a member of the team.

• Do you serve food?

  Yes. We serve cheese boards supplied by local cheesemonger L’Affinage du Fromage, alongside vegan bakes from 404 Bakes, mixed nuts, and wasabi bites.

• Can I bring my own book to read?

  Of course. If you’re using one of our tables, we simply ask that you purchase a drink and are mindful during busy periods, especially if others are looking for a place to sit and relax.

• Is the BookCellar inclusive?

  Absolutely. The BookCellar is for everyone. If you are ever made to feel uncomfortable or excluded in the shop because of who you are, please raise it with one of our team and we will deal with it straight away.

• Is the BookCellar wheelchair accessible?

  The main shop floor and reading room are at ground level and fully accessible to wheelchair users, including an accessible toilet.

  Our basement meeting room – used for most book clubs, author events and writing groups – is down one flight of stairs. We hope to offer accessible book clubs in the reading room in the future, subject to interest.

  If you have specific mobility requirements, or would like us to adapt a particular event so you can attend, please get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you.

• I'm an indie author, will you stock my book?

  We spin a lot of plates at the BookCellar, and work closely with publishers and distributors to make sure our list is always fresh and shelves are stocked. Unfortunately, this means we don’t have the head space, or shelf space, to curate titles by independent authors. 

  We love your passion and dedication, and you are welcome to book our basement to host your own events such as book launches or readings, as well as take part in our regular programmed events such Work In Progress and Open Mic nights.