It’s been quite the start to the year here at Griffin Books. In March we were named Best Independent Bookshop in Wales in the 2025 British Book Awards, and you might have noticed the little announcement that we’re expanding the shop into the next door premises!

As you’re reading this we’re busying away behind the scenes working on the new shop, which will become a dedicated children’s and teen’s department. We can’t wait to start ordering lots of lovely books to fill the shelves and fitting out the space to make it the perfect destinations for our younger readers. We’ll be announcing plans for the grand opening very soon, so keep an eye on our website and socials.

Opening a new shop isn’t going to slow us down. We’ve recently announced our summer events schedule, and our schools programme is busier than ever- phew!

We’re looking forward to welcoming Jeremy Vine, Rachel Joyce, Reeta Chakrabarti, Alexander McCall Smith and Ruth Jones to Penarth over the coming months. Find out more at www.griffinbooks.co.uk.

Now where did I leave my hard hat and tape measure…?