Beloved queer bookshop The Common Press has opened a second location

In some good news, one of London’s only dedicated queer bookshops has opened a second location. The Common Press, initially opened in Shoreditch back in 2021, exclusively sells literature by and for queer people or people of colour. Although not the first spot for catering for LGBTQ+ readers (Bloomsbury’s Gay’s The Word has been selling books for queer readers since 1979), The Common Press’s main draw was its dedicated events space for LGBTQ+ people and people of colour. 

Opened as part of Glass House, a multidisciplinary venue, the bookshop offers a curated selection of books written by LGBTQ+ authors, Black & POC writers, transgender creatives and other marginalised voices, but also became a space for people to socialise thanks to its cafe and bar, which offered a cosy and inclusive community place for events, meetings or just a space to relax and hang out. 

However, in 2023, the shop faced an uncertain future when its investors were no longer able to support the project. It set up a crowdfunder in order to operate independently, and although the shop survived, it was forced to shut its bar and cafe. 

Since then, the bookshop has been searching for a way to create this space again, and its second site looks to be the solution. Just like the original, the new location in Dalston is Black queer and trans run. It also has a cafe, a bar, and an events space, meaning it will be more than a bookshop again but also a place for the queer community to gather, socialise and share their experiences.

The new site is open now on 97 Stoke Newington Road from 11am to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday, and will stay open later for events. 

Browse all of Time Out’s favourite London bookshops here. 

In more good news, London’s Royal Festival Hall is set for a dazzling £10 million refurb.

And, the National Gallery is extending its opening hours this summer.

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