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Bard Books Store Front

More than just a book shop

BÀRD BOOKS is more than just a bookshop. Alongside the carefully curated bookshelves, it’s a place you can pop in for a coffee or pastry; somewhere to meet friends, make friends, do some work, read a book, write a book, listen to authors, hear some music – just escape. Bookshops are third spaces; “much-loved local haunts that are neither home nor the workplace, but which we rely on for a sense of community and everyday socialising… the lifeblood of our high streets and fundamental to our mental health.” [ROMAN ROAD LDN]. In the evening, the lights dim, and books provide the backdrop for a glass of something deliciously chilled.

LOOKING FOR A BOOK? Browse the shelves or grab one of our team for some recommendations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • 90s Bookshop Rave
    90s Bookshop Rave
    Fri, Nov 21
    Bàrd Books
    Nov 21, 2025, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Okay, maybe a rave is an exaggeration. But a night of 90s music to celebrate the official sequel to Irvine Welsh's 'Trainspotting' - 'Men in Love'
  • Writing Workshop with Dan Coxon
    Writing Workshop with Dan Coxon
    Nov 26, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Using the artwork of local Alice Sielle, delve into a 60-90 minute writing workshop with award-winning writer and editor Dan Coxon
  • Book Club - December
    Book Club - December
    Thu, Nov 27
    Bàrd Books
    Nov 27, 2025, 8:00 PM – Nov 28, 2025, 12:00 AM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    'On The Calculation of Volume Part 1' by Solvej Balle Ticket + book available in the shop only, sorry.
  • Laughlines open-mic comedy
    Laughlines open-mic comedy
    Fri, Nov 28
    Nov 28, 2025, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Monthly open-mic comedy night hosted by Jess Carrivick ( ☆☆☆☆☆ 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, BAFTA Rocliffe shortlist writer) and Jen Nolan!!!! "Probably the cheapest night out in London" (said someone last week)
  • Read Against the Machine Book Club
    Read Against the Machine Book Club
    Nov 30, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Discussing 'The Book of Disappearance' by Ibtisam Azem alongside 'One State' by Ghada Karmi
  • Testing Ground - open mic poetry and music
    Testing Ground - open mic poetry and music
    Dec 03, 2025, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Join the team behind 'Off the Chest' for a night of open-mic poetry and music.
  • Les Fugitives 10th Anniversary Party
    Les Fugitives 10th Anniversary Party
    Dec 16, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Q: What do you call a small literary indie press which has been going for ten years?  A: Ready for a stiff drink.

Brown Cockapoo dog sitting on pink and green checkered cushion

In the Press

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'I feel like we're bringing people together'

Logo text: The Slice

A bar in a bookshop? The new independent bookstore on Roman Road 

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Independent Bookshop of the Month: Bàrd Books

Faber logo: elegant typography

10 London bookshops are finalists for Independent Bookshop of the Year 2025

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