Book Group

Way back in 2016, before we even had the café, we hatched a plan with local author Claire Fuller to run regular events for book lovers. Since 2017, our Book Group has become an extremely popular event, so much so that the small and friendly sessions are known to fill up before they're even advertised.

Why so popular? Our Book Group attracts people who love reading and want to have a meaty discussion with other like-minded book lovers. Over the years we've attracted a regular crowd which comes to (almost) every discussion and it's lovely to always see a friendly face. There are people who dip in and out too dependent on when they can come and what book they fancy reading.

You can see a full list of the books we've read in the past on Claire's website. You'll notice that the groups have rated the books too so you might want to add the high scorers to your reading list! Scroll down or visit our booking page to find out what we've got coming up.

To encourage discussions, spaces are limited to just 12 spots. Regulars with one of our "Library Cards" have early access to booking, while people who want to decide nearer the time, can book individual events when they go on sale three months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book?

Book in the café or online.

Why is there a charge?

In the early days, we found that asking people to buy a ticket meant that they were more likely to show on the evening. Perhaps it acted as extra motivation to finish reading the book! Tickets include a little drink on arrival* so buying a ticket is really just like pre-purchasing a drink to enjoy while you're chatting about the book.

What is a Library Card?

You don't have to be a member to book onto our Book Groups but having a library card means that you have immediate access to book onto any of our book discussions. You can redeem your membership for tickets to 9 events so if you can't come to every book group you could use your membership for select film screenings and special events. Library Cards for 2025 cost £73+booking fee, giving members a little discount on their Book Group tickets.

There are only 9 library cards available every year and can be snapped up quite quickly. Buy yours on our Ticket Tailor page via the "Vouchers and Memberships" link.

How Do I Book Without A Library Card?

If you don't have a Library Card you can buy tickets for events separately. They cost £9 + booking fee and also include a drink on arrival*. The exact number of tickets available will depend on how many Library Card holders are booked already. We have a maximum group size of 12 people so there will always be at least 3 tickets available when the event goes on sale.

Book in the café or online here.

Is there a waitlist?

If your preferred event is full then you are welcome to add your name to the online waitist. It's not possible for us to manage waitlists manually so we're unable to add you onto the waitlist for you or make a note to contact you. If a space comes up, we'll always work through the online waitlist on a first-come-first-served basis.

What if I can't make it?

Because spaces are limited and the events are so popular, please let us know as soon as possible if you can't make it. Tickets are refundable up to 6 weeks before the event. If you are a library card holder and you cancel before 6 weeks, we'll add another ticket to your library card. If you cancel less than six weeks prior, I'm afraid we can't refund your ticket or move it to another event.

Where Can I Buy My Book?

You can buy (most of) our selected books from our online book shop. Every purchase made on our bookshop page benefits not only us but also independent book shops across the country.

Also, if you like to shop local, our friends at P&G Wells are kindly offering 10% off to our Book Group guests when you buy 3 or more of the books from our 2025 list.