An independent bookshop and co-working space in Kingswood, Bristol, with a big heart and even bigger plans.
Discover the bookshop
“What books do you sell?”
It’s such a simple question, isn’t it?
But actually... it's not.
Yes, we sell books. Of course we do. But then again… not really.
What we’re really building is a sanctuary.
A place for you to escape.
A place where you can feel safe, seen, and heard.
This place is for you, every version of you.
Three-year-old you. Ten-year-old you. Young adult you. Trying to be an adult you.
Every single one of you belongs here.
Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do.
A welcoming atmosphere is what we promise.
And if you walk into our shop and no one says hello? Call us out.
Because we’re here to make sure you feel welcome, truly welcome.
I love books. No, really, I love books.
I’m the kind of person who reads sixteen at once and still buys more.
Stories have carried me through my darkest moments, given me strength when I had none, and connected me to people in ways I never imagined.
And if you’ve made it this far, reading this ridiculously long bit of text, then I’m guessing you know exactly what I mean.
So, in answer to “What do you sell?”
It’s whatever you need.
Unique instore experience
An inclusive, welcoming space
Magical events
for all
Your new favourite co-working space
Upstairs at Lost in the Reads, our co-working space in Kingswood gives professionals a stylish escape from home distractions.
It’s calm, comfortable, and designed to keep you productive through the nine-to-five without losing your sanity.
So come stay awhile.
Read, retreat, reconnect.
Lost in the Reads isn’t just a shop.
It’s a soft place to land.
"If 30 minutes of bedtime reading somehow becomes your favourite 3 hours of the day, you're in the right place. Welcome home, book friend."
- Antoinette Forbes, Founder of Lost in the Reads
Events at Lost in the Reads
We love books, obviously, but we also adore events.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to host yours, get in touch soon! Our diary is already filling fast.
From author readings and character-led story times to themed book clubs, business networking, and the occasional amateur comedy night (yes, we’re that brave), there’s always something happening here.
Our cosy event spaces flow across the shop and upstairs too, giving you plenty of room to settle in, connect, and soak up the atmosphere.
Our full calendar will be live soon, so keep an eye on our socials, you won’t want to miss what’s coming to Kingswood in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lost in the Reads?
Lost in the Reads is an independent bookshop, community space, and creative hub based in Kingswood, Bristol.
We offer curated new books, joyful events, and a welcoming environment for children, families, and book lovers of all kinds.
Whether you’re popping in for a storytime, finding your next read, or joining us for a brownie and coffee, our goal is simple: make you feel seen, inspired, and at home.
When do you open?
We’re aiming to open to the public in Winter 2025, just in time for the cosy reading season!
Follow us on Instagram or join our mailing list to get the official launch date, soft launch invites, and opening weekend updates.
How do I sign up for updates?
Scroll to the bottom of this page and pop your email in the box to join our mailing list.
We’ll send you bookish news, event invites, early access to our book clubs, and the occasional behind-the-scenes peek.
What events do you have coming up?
We’ll be hosting everything from author readings to craft-and-story workshops, business book clubs to sing-along mornings for toddlers.
Our full events calendar will launch soon, but in the meantime keep an eye on our socials, or join the newsletter for early access.
How do I book a co-working space?
We're getting ready to launch the newest, cosiest co-working space in Bristol, located on the first floor above the bookshop.
Booking details, pricing, and availability will be released before launch. To be the first to know (and to grab a founding member discount), sign up here or email us at hello@lostinthereads.co.uk
I'm an author, baker or local book enthusiast - how can I get involved?
We love working with local creatives!
Whether you want to run a workshop, plan a book signing, collaborate on an event, or partner with us in another way, reach out! You can email hello@lostinthereads.co.uk or send us a DM on Instagram. Let’s build something beautiful together.
Get the latest updates
That was a lot of information… ready for more?
Don’t worry, we won’t flood your inbox (promise). But since our shop is still in its early chapters, we’d love to share the journey with you.
By signing up, you’ll get:
Behind-the-scenes updates as the bookshop comes to life
First dibs on events and book clubs
Special offers and perks just for our subscribers
We’re so excited you’ve found us, and we’d love to keep you close as the story unfolds.
Subscribe today and be the first to know what’s happening and when.
And while you’re at it, make sure to connect with us on socials too; that’s where the magic happens daily!
Why do you read?
Is it just something to fill the time?
An escape?
A long-needed exhale at the end of an exhausting day in exhausting times?
There are endless reasons we reach for books.
For me, it’s because the world is noisy. It’s filled with misinformation, labels, and screaming.
On those days, I crave comfort. I’ll reach for a small-town story where nothing much happens, and that’s enough.
Other days, when the noise feels especially sharp, I turn to books that help me understand.
Stories from people with values opposite to mine, cultures different from mine, because I want to feel compassion.
I want to see through someone else’s eyes, even just for a few chapters.
That’s the gift of reading.
Books let us be incredible versions of ourselves. They let us live a thousand lives, escape our own, or find courage to challenge and inspire. Books give us freedom.
We’re opening a bookshop not just because we want to, but because we have to. Because we couldn’t not.
So come visit us.
Find your story.
- Antoinette Forbes, Founder of Lost in the Reads
Sign up to be the first to know what’s happening and when
Lost in the Reads will soon open its doors, and we’d love you to be part of the journey from the very beginning.
A new chapter is coming to Kingswood...
We’re creating a space where stories, community and imagination come together - opening on December 1st!
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Hooray! We are open!