Nottingham’s book lovers are getting a rather dreamy new hangout this month, as a gothic-inspired book bar prepares to open in the city centre.
Ink & Ember is taking over 47 Bridlesmith Gate, bringing together an independent bookshop, café, cocktail bar and events space under one very bookish roof.
And this isn’t your standard browse-the-shelves-and-leave sort of bookshop.
The new venue will serve wine, cocktails, coffee, hot drinks and food, with customers encouraged to settle in and enjoy the space whether they’re buying a novel or not.
Founder Lauren Lovett is hoping to open the doors in the third week of November, following the handover of the building by Nottingham developer ALB Group.
From BookTok to book bar
The idea began with Lauren’s own love of reading and the community she discovered through BookTok, TikTok’s enormous book-loving corner of the internet.
“We are a family of four, with one on the way, and we all love reading,” she said.
“So much so that it inspired me to create a BookTok account, which was a fun, welcoming space on the internet, and I found that I made the most incredible friends.
“I wanted something like it in real life. I craved the same connection.”
Her husband Lee suggested that, rather than waiting for somebody else to create it, Lauren should do it herself.
Which is exactly what she did.
The first Ink & Ember opened in Stamford, Lincolnshire, with its community subsequently growing into the thousands. A second shop followed in Peterborough in August.
Now Nottingham is next.
Lauren describes herself as a “conscious community builder”, with Ink & Ember designed as somewhere people can meet through books, discover authors and generally find their people.
It’s a proper family affair too. Lauren’s 12-year-old daughter Lana helps out in the shop, Lee tackles the DIY and their youngest gets involved packing online orders. The couple are also expecting another baby.
Things are getting gothic
And Nottingham’s Ink & Ember could be the most atmospheric yet.
The Bridlesmith Gate venue is being given a gothic mansion-inspired interior, complete with Dark Academia styling, ornate details and surprises hidden throughout the building.
Even better for romance readers, an entire floor will be dedicated to the genre.
Yes, an entire floor.
“Romance, in all its varied sub-genres and niches, is one of the fastest growing genres in the world and in Nottingham we intend to embrace it fully with its own floor,” Lauren said.
“We hope that whether you fancy a glass of wine and an open sandwich after work, or want to cosy up in peace with a good book and a hot chocolate during the festive months, that you will come and give us a try.”
Frankly, hot chocolate, gothic interiors and a pile of books sounds like a pretty solid Nottingham winter plan to us.
More than somewhere to buy books
Community will be a big part of the place too.
Ink & Ember plans to run regular events across its shops, including book clubs, author signings and adult craft sessions, turning the shops into social spaces rather than somewhere you simply pop in to pick up your latest read.
Its arrival is another piece of the ongoing effort to breathe new life into Bridlesmith Gate.
ALB Group has acquired 16 properties across Bridlesmith Gate and Byard Lane, as well as seven units on Lister Gate, with plans to bring empty premises back into use and attract more independent and established businesses into the city centre.
The programme has also involved commissioning local artists to add murals to buildings in the area.
Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, said: “Our ambition for Bridlesmith Gate has always been to create a destination with its own identity, where independent businesses can thrive alongside established names.
“Every new business that chooses to invest in the street helps build its character and gives people another reason to visit Nottingham city centre.
“Ink & Ember has an exciting concept that brings books, coffee and community together, and we’re delighted to welcome them to Bridlesmith Gate.”
Oliver Marshall, director at Cited Property, which acted for landlord ALB Group, said securing the unit involved negotiating the surrender of the previous tenant’s lease.
But, he reckons, the effort was well worth it.
“A book bar combining wine, coffee and events is exactly the kind of experiential, independent operator that gives people a reason to visit and stay longer,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing it open before Christmas.”
Ink & Ember is aiming to open at 47 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, during the third week of November.
