Coffee with a Bookseller
A literary consultation with bookish expertise
Purchase a voucher
To book yourself in for your consultation, email the relevant bookshop with dates and times that suit you. We have limited slots each week so recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Please include a handful of books and authors that you've previously read and enjoyed, and give us some insight into a literary area you might like to delve into. We look forward to being in touch and discussing great books with you!
Coffee with a Bookseller is our in-depth book consultation service.
Those who are given a 'Coffee with a Bookseller' book voucher will be welcomed to the bookshop by one of our expert booksellers. The literary consultation takes place over tea or coffee and biscuits in the bookshop. Your bookseller will guide you through their suggestions, tailored just for you, and you'll come away with a big pile of books in one of our signature tote bags, which will stand you in good stead in the months to come.
It's designed to be the perfect present for the book lover and bibliophile in your life - or the friend or family member who hasn't (yet) found their love of reading. (Or even, dare we suggest, the perfect present for oneself...)
There's no extra charge for the time spent with us in the bookshop - you simply purchase one of the following book vouchers which can be used in its entirety on books. The book voucher will never expire, and it doesn't have to be used straight away.
With an expert at your side, embark on a literary journey through those classics that you've always meant to read, or be introduced to the very best of contemporary translated fiction. We have booksellers who are brimming with knowledge and enthusiasm for graphic novels, Young Adult fiction aficionados, and History buffs - as well as just about everything else in-between.
If there's a common thread that unites our booksellers, it would be that we're all firm believers in the indisputable power of a good book - and we love to share that with others.
We recommend booking your appointment as far in advance as possible as we can't guarantee a specific date will be available for a last minute booking. We have limited slots each week and please be aware that some of our bookshops are unable to offer consultations on Saturdays or Sundays. Please check with the bookshop you are booking with to see if they can accommodate your date and time request.
Please also note that, as each appointment is prepared for your individual reading specifically, we are unable to offer this service for groups of more than two people at a time (both of whom must have a voucher).
How the voucher works
Purchase a voucher, for yourself or someone else
Topping & Company vouchers are the perfect present for any book lover—or as a treat for yourself.
We'll send you an email to print or forward
Vouchers are sent straight away to the email address you use to place your order. Then you can forward it on the lucky recipient or print it when the time is right!
Visit the bookshop for a browse—and a pot of tea or coffee!
Come to the bookstop and make yourself at home among the bookshelves. We'll make a pot of fresh tea or coffee for you while you browse. You can also use your voucher online.