 Rain came tumbling down as we made our way up Broad Street towards The Paragon in Bath. As we turned the corner, the cobalt facade of a bookstore caught my eye and I pulled Peter by the arm towards the entrance. My umbrella had turned itself inside-out during the downpour, and we were both quite soaked, so we stopped for a moment to stomp our feet a couple of times on the mat inside the door. Venturing further in, we saw that we had found ourselves in book heaven. 'Hello there. Would you like a nice cup of tea?' one of the owners asked from behind the counter. Music to our ears on what had turned into a miserable day. 'Yes please,' we chorused. 'Well, grab a book or two and take a seat, we'll be there in just a moment.' Bliss! Truly, we couldn't stop smiling when the tray arrived. It was so pretty and so very welcoming. We sat quietly, for half an hour or more, sipping our tea and delving into the pages of the books we had chosen to purchase. And then we browsed for a while longer, before heading back to our hotel.     The bookstore we discovered in the Georgian city of Bath was Topping & Company Booksellers. The store carries a wide selection of books in all genres and there are some quirky and interesting titles, as well as collectables and signed editions. The cookery and food section is extensive and will delight every cook and booklover. Reading groups and literary salons feature on the calendar of events. You will find Topping & Company at The Paragon in Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom. The store is open seven days a week and a visit is highly recommended by Good Things. Tell me dear readers, do enjoy finding rainy day gems such as this bookstore in Bath? And have you ever visited Topping & Company Booksellers?
15 Comments
3/2/2016 02:19:24 pm
Now THAT is my kind of bookstore! A disappearing breed, alas. Much as I love Amazon, it does have a few things to answer for. Anyway, fun read -- thanks.
Lizzy
3/2/2016 03:06:46 pm
John, thanks you so much... and so true!
Russell Morgan
3/2/2016 02:22:55 pm
Wow, that's my kinda bookshop. Noting details for my next trip to the area. Thanks.
Jennifer Palmer
3/2/2016 03:02:26 pm
Lizzy, you visited some great places on your trip. I love the look and sound of Topping and Company. Definitely one to visit. Thanks for sharing.
Kim
3/2/2016 05:18:50 pm
We were in Bath 42 years ago. This bookshop was not there. However we were fascinated with the Museum of Fashion History ( not sure if the correct name). We went through twice back-to-back. 3/2/2016 06:08:20 pm
I love Bath, we were there in 2005, Unfortunately I did not happen upon this exquisite book store. But I did fall into a rubber boot store and bought the most adorable red with white polka dot galoshes. That's also when I discovered that English shoe sizes are on a different scale than North American!
Eha
3/2/2016 07:27:03 pm
Isn't this how it should be . . . this consummate warmth upon entering a bookstore . . . this delightful way of discovering and choosing a volume to hold and keep - a memory forever and I do not think the owners were 'out of pocket' re a simple tea service by the time you left :) !! 4/2/2016 07:53:26 pm
What a lovely place to visit! And to be welcomed with a cup of tea and out of the rain. So nice :) 4/2/2016 10:54:17 pm
What an amazing find Liz. I could have spent hours in there without a doubt 😀 5/2/2016 08:14:25 pm
I love bath and that bookshop is so gorgeous. I do love your first image that focuses on the stunning flowers. There is a bookshop in Avalon a little like this with a small cafe out the back where you can order a drink and sit with a book - a great way to spend a rainy afternoon xx 6/2/2016 07:03:56 pm
"Would you like a cup of tea?" - is there any other answer to this question except a resounding YES PLEASE?! I do love my cups of tea! 10/2/2016 04:14:58 pm
What a perfect spot to wait out a rainy afternoon, I love a good bookstore! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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