The folks behind the award-winning Simply Books have shared first-look images of their much-anticipated new concept in Stockport.
Prologue will be an independent bookshop, cocktail bar, speciality coffee shop and dedicated event space, located within Stockport’s Weir Mill development.
The team, who say they want to ‘rethink what a modern bookshop can be’, have confirmed they are now just weeks away from announcing an opening date, teasing more details of what visitors can expect the new space to look like.
“We’ve truly ripped up the bookshop rulebook to create something really special,” says Simply Books Co-owner Ben Johns. “We wanted to build somewhere that feels like much more than a place to just buy a book, somewhere people can spend time, discover something new, meet authors and become part of a literary community.”
The venue will feature rolling ladders and floor-to-ceiling shelves, and has been purpose-built to support an ambitious programme of author events, launches, open mics and performances. The space includes a dedicated stage and green room for talent, where they’ll support everyone from bestselling authors to open mic and comedy performance evenings.
In the past, Simply Books has hosted authors like Ruth Jones, Jodi Picoult, Harlan Coben, Jacqueline Wilson and Oti Mabuse.
Prologue will also take a different approach to the traditional bookselling experience. The team will work across the shop floor, using handheld devices to serve customers, whilst a dedicated concierge desk will provide another point of contact for visitors, offering event tickets, curated recommendations and access to Prologue’s book clubs, as well as language classes and regular events like comedy nights and live music.
Elsewhere, the Prologue team will host creative writing workshops and script writing classes, while a dedicated library table, reading nooks and all-day coffee service hopes to make it a destination for co-working
A specially-designed book club room will host thirty different book clubs each month, ranging from fantasy and romantasy books to crime, thriller and non-fiction. Those interested in joining a book club are encouraged to join the waitlist, as Simply Books’ first wave of clubs filled up within hours. In addition to their book clubs, Prologue will host a series of language classes.
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- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Thu 20 Aug 2026
