Simply Books in Bramhall opens a new chapter under new owners

Independent bookshops are often the heart of a village high street, and in Bramhall that role has belonged to Simply Books for more than two decades. Established in 2002, the shop has become a favourite with readers of all ages across the Stockport area. In a time when many high streets have lost their bookshops, its staying power is something for Bramhall to celebrate.

Its reputation reaches well beyond the village. In 2009 it won the Bertrams Independent Bookseller award at The Bookseller Retail Awards, a national recognition of the care and knowledge behind its shelves.

Closer to home, it has also been named Independent Retailer of the Year at the Stockport Business Awards, an honour decided by a public vote, showing how much local customers value it.

For many years the shop was run by Andrew Cant and Sue Steel, who built its loyal following. In early 2024 new owners Karen Johns, Ben Johns and Jess Quan took over, beginning what local news site One Stockport described as a new chapter for the shop.

The new team has added fresh ideas while keeping the essence of a good bookshop. Simply Books now includes a café serving speciality coffee and freshly baked treats, making it a place to linger over a new read, whether that means a quiet coffee alone or a catch-up with friends among the shelves.

Book clubs have become an important part of the shop's life too, bringing readers together to share recommendations and conversation. Manchester's Finest has described it as a multi-hyphenate cultural hub that stays open long after the school run finishes.

Simply Books also sells online through Bookshop.org, the platform that supports independent bookshops, so readers further afield can support the shop too, with every order helping to sustain a local business. It is a modern addition to a shop that has always relied on the loyalty of its customers.

Readers can visit the shop in Bramhall village, which is easy to reach by train from Manchester and Stockport, and its online shop is a handy way to order books in advance.