Venue hire at Lost in the Reads

Looking for a cosy, character-filled space in Bristol to host your next event, that actually feels different?

Lost in the Reads is an independent bookshop in Kingswood, Bristol offering private event space hire.

Our event space is available for private parties, corporate events, workshops, networking evenings, mindfulness sessions, women's circles and celebrations.

Perhaps you're an author planning a book launch, a business hosting a team away day, or a book club looking for the perfect setting for your next discussion.

Our independent bookshop offers an intimate, welcoming atmosphere that turns events into experiences.

Enquire now

About the event space

Capacity: The ground floor space holds up to 20 guests seated or 40 standing.

Location: Kingswood High Street, Bristol. Easily accessible from Hanham, Staple Hill, Emersons Green, Longwell Green, Keynsham and Downend

Available: 7 days a week, outside of opening hours (evenings and weekends available).

Atmosphere: The space is warm, atmospheric and filled with lovely books; the perfect backdrop for conversation and celebration.

Venue hire pricing & add ons

Venue hire, £50 per hour

Hire includes use of the full ground floor space, tables and chairs, and setup/clear-down time within your booked slot. Minimum 2-hour booking.

Delegate Drinks Package, £8 per person

Includes unlimited tea and coffee and a selection of soft drinks served for the duration of your booking. Finger food and external catering are also welcome; just let us know in advance.

️AV Package, £25

Need to present, screen content or play music? We can arrange screen and HDMI connection, as well as a Bluetooth speaker on request; please book at least 7 days in advance.

Social Media Promotion, £35

We'll promote your event to our engaged local audience across Instagram and Facebook before the event. Ideal if you're selling tickets or want to boost attendance.


Curated Guest Book Bundle, from £5 per person

A Lost in the Reads exclusive. We'll hand-pick a book for each of your guests based on the theme of your event, wrapped and ready to take home. A truly memorable touch that no other Bristol venue can offer.

Example Pricing:

Birthday party, 30 people standing, 3hrs, with drinks
£150 hire + £240 drinks = £390

Team away day, 15 people seated, 4hrs, with drinks
£200 hire + £120 drinks = £320

Workshop, 20 people seated, 2hrs, no drinks
£100

Evening networking, 40 people standing, 3hrs, with drinks
£150 hire + £320 drinks = £470

Host an author event

Planning a book launch, signing or Q&A?

Our shop provides a ready-made audience of passionate readers and a beautifully curated backdrop for your event. With shelves lined with everything rom thrilling romantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction, the setting instantly creates the right mood for literary evenings.

We can offer:

• Space for readings and author talks
• Seating layout for intimate audiences
• A signing table set-up
• Book sales support on the night
• Promotion to our local community

Whether you're an established author or launching your debut, we’ll help you create an event that feels personal and memorable.

Book a time slot

Book club hire

Want to host your own book club somewhere special?

Instead of squeezing into a noisy café, gather your group in a bookshop designed for readers. Our space in Kingswood offers a relaxed and inspiring environment where conversation can flow easily.

Lost in the Reads is ideal for:

• Monthly book club meetups
• Themed reading nights
• Genre-specific discussion groups
• Private literary gatherings

Bring your own discussion plans or let us help you build a themed evening around your chosen title.

All sessions are free to use when you order your books through us, and booking is simple. Just get in touch below to reserve a time that works for your group. If you’d like help choosing your next read, we’re always happy to offer recommendations too.

Book a time slot

Why hire Lost in the Reads?

There are plenty of function rooms in Bristol, but there’s something special about a space surrounded by books.

Our event space is:

  • A genuinely unique and memorable setting, with bookshelves, warmth, character. Your guests won't feel like they're in a hotel conference room.

  • Flexible and personal; we work with you, not against you. No rigid packages, no hidden
    charges.

  • Local and independent; hiring our space directly supports a small Bristol business and everything we do in the community.

  • Central to East Bristol, and convenient for Kingswood, Hanham, Staple Hill, Emersons Green
    and surrounding areas.

  • Available 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.

Frequently asked questions
How many people can attend an event at Lost in the Reads?

Our event space can comfortably host 20 seated guests or up to 40 standing guests. If you are planning a signing, talk, or workshop we are happy to help advise on the best setup for your event.
What types of events can be hosted at Lost in the Reads?

We welcome a range of literary events, including:

  • Author talks
  • Book launches
  • Readings
  • Signings
  • Workshops
  • Panel discussions

The space also works beautifully for:

  • Private parties and celebrations (birthdays, hen dos, baby showers)
  • Corporate away days, team meetings and training sessions
  • Creative workshops (crafts, writing, food, skills-based sessions)
  • Networking events and community gatherings
  • Mindfulness, meditation and wellbeing sessions
  • Women's circles and empowerment events
  • Book clubs and reading groups
  • Pop-ups and small brand events
  • Baby showers, bridal showers and milestone celebrations

If you have a different idea, feel free to get in touch and we can see how it might work in the space.
Is the space available on weekends?

Yes. The space is available 7 days a week, outside of our normal opening hours, including evenings and weekends.
What refreshments are available?

Guests can purchase a selection of:

  • Tea and coffee
  • Cold drinks
  • Cakes and sweet treats
  • Light snacks
Can I bring my own food or use an external caterer?

Yes; finger food and external catering are welcome. We just ask that you confirm arrangements in advance.
Who handles ticket sales?

Ticketing can be arranged either through Lost in the Reads or by the author/event organiser, depending on the event. We'll talk to your about your options when the event is booked.
Can books be sold at the event?

Yes, books can be sold through the shop during your event. We can either stock your book in advance or sell copies provided by you, depending on the arrangement.
Is there space for signing books after the event?

Yes. Many authors choose to include a short signing or meet-and-greet after the talk or reading.
What facilities are available?

We have one toilet located upstairs for guests to use. At the moment we do not have baby changing facilities, however we do provide:

  • A child toilet seat insert
  • Small step stools to help younger children use the toilet.
Is there parking nearby?

We have one parking permit available for event hosts, which can be used with advance notice.

There is also parking available close to the shop on Kingswood High Street.
Can I unload materials for my event?

Yes. If you are bringing books, banners, or other materials, you can come around the back of the shop for unloading and drop-off. Please let us know ahead of time so we can help coordinate this.
What equipment is available?

We can provide a small event setup including seating and a reading space.

We offer an AV package as an optional add-on (£25). Please request
this at least 7 days before your event.
What's the cancellation policy?

We ask for a deposit at the time of booking. Cancellations made more than 14 days before the event receive a full deposit refund. Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable.
Can I come and view the space first?

Absolutely. We'd love to show you around. Just drop us a message to arrange a visit.
How do I know if my date is available?

Get in touch using the enquiry form below and we'll confirm availability within 24 hours.
How do I book an event slot?

To reserve a time slot for your event, please click here for author events or here for book clubs.

To find out more about your optons, please email hello@lostinthereads.co.uk with:

  • Your name
  • Your book title(s)
  • The type of event you would like to host
  • Your preferred dates
  • Estimated audience size

We will then get back to you to discuss availability and next steps.

What our hirers say

"I hosted a Women's Empowerment Circle at Lost in the Reads, and the space completely exceeded my expectations.

There's something about being surrounded by books that puts people at ease immediately... the conversations went deeper, the atmosphere felt safe, and every guest commented on how special the setting felt.

It's unlike anywhere else I've hosted an event in Bristol. I wouldn't hesitate to use it again."


Esther McCann — Women's Empowerment Facilitator, Lost in the Reads

Ready to host an event in Bristol?

If you're looking for a unique, welcoming venue in Bristol for a literary event, Lost in the Reads offers something truly special.

Whether you're planning an author launch, an intimate signing, or gathering your book club for a private discussion night, our bookshop provides a warm, atmospheric setting that readers instantly connect with.

Located in Kingswood, we’re easily accessible for Bristol-based authors, publishers and reading groups who want a venue that feels authentic, welcoming and community-led.

If you have an idea in mind, we’d love to help you bring it to life!

Book an event slot

Book your event

Ready to enquire, or just want to check availability?

Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours, or email us directly on hello@lostinthereads.co.uk