Nantwich Bookshop turns a new page with author nights and a bookbus

For more than two decades, Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge has been one of the High Street's best-loved addresses. Owners Steve and Denise Lawson, who are originally from South Africa, took over the shop in 2003 and opened its popular coffee lounge a year later, creating the kind of browse-and-linger independent that market towns treasure.

This autumn the shop is once again proving that a good bookshop is as much about people as paper. Its latest programme of literary events brings bestselling novelists, familiar faces and remarkable real-life stories to Nantwich.

The headline date for many will be Friday 9 October, when actor Charlie Lawson, best known as Coronation Street's Jim McDonald, visits to talk about his candid autobiography, That's Life, So It Is, sharing stories from both his acting career and his personal life.

Later in the month, on Wednesday 21 October, bestselling novelist Cathy Bramley will be joined by fellow author Suzan Holder to discuss Cathy's latest festive romance, Not Just For Christmas, a timely treat as the evenings draw in. Earlier in the season, readers heard the true story behind The Ukulele Man, about Leigh ukulele player Tom Boardman, who was captured after the fall of Singapore, and met novelist Nathalie Abi-Ezzi to discuss All The Lives She Lived.

The Lawsons have also taken the bookshop on the road. A converted bus, fitted out with bespoke shelving, comfortable seating and a striking exterior wrap, made its maiden voyage in early March 2026, delivering books to local schools for World Book Day, including a first official visit to Delamere CofE Primary Academy.

The idea is simple and rather lovely: a mini bookshop on wheels that can call at schools, care homes and villages on a regular basis, where people can browse on board or collect books they have pre-ordered. The owners have invited parish councils, schools and care homes interested in a fortnightly visit to get in touch.

Whether you are hunting for a Christmas present, a book club pick or simply a good coffee among the shelves, it remains a fine reason to stroll down Nantwich High Street.

Tickets for author events can be booked in person at the shop on High Street, Nantwich, or by calling 01270 611665.