Emily Ross, husband Dan and beloved cockapoo Roy, opened the local bookshop favourite, Story Smith just over a year ago and quickly became a firm favourite in the Bedminster community.

The shelves of the shop are lined with the latest reads, the classics we all know and love and this pocket of peace wouldn’t be possible without the hard work that Emily and team have put in.

Emily and Dan moved from London to Bristol and immediately noticed the shortage of independent bookshops in the city. They quickly fell in love with the independence seeping out of everything in Bedminster that they decided this was where they would create their dream business, making Story Smith a reality.

Emily loves that there is a real sense of community in Bedminster and that both fellow traders and customers offer their genuine support to the business and help make it what it is.

In the community, Story Smith work with local primary schools to support with literacy events as well as running regular events and book clubs.

This Saturday, the team will be hosting local authors of “Winter Sleep” for a kids event of reading, singing and poetry. It is free to attend and you can sign up via their website https://storysmithbooks.com/events/sean-taylor-alex-morss-winter-sleep/

For more information you can visit their website, or check them out on social media at @storysmithbooks or visit them in store Monday - Saturday 10-6, or Sunday 11-4.