top of page
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

  • Concertina Comic Workshop
    Concertina Comic Workshop
    Tue, Feb 17
    Feb 17, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Turn your dating horror stories into mini comics in this anti-Valentines themed workshop
  • Bard Debuts - February 2026
    Bard Debuts - February 2026
    Feb 18, 2026, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    London, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Imagine a night of speed dating except the people selling themselves are the newest authors on the scene. JOIN US for the latest of a monthly night celebrating debut author. Meet the faces behind the work as they each take the stage for 10 minutes to present their work.
  • Read Against The Machine - February
    Read Against The Machine - February
    Feb 22, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    For the activists amongst you - reading one piece of fiction alongside non-fiction and discussion how to make a difference.
  • Laughlines open-mic comedy - Feb
    Laughlines open-mic comedy - Feb
    Feb 27, 2026, 7:30 PM – 11:00 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 headline act DOMINIC MCGOVERN! "Probably the cheapest night out in London" (said someone once).
  • Testing Ground March: open-mic poetry and music
    Testing Ground March: open-mic poetry and music
    Mar 03, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Join us for February's night of open-mic poetry and music from the team behind 'Off The Chest' Featuring headline Laurie Eaves
  • Singles Book Club - March
    Singles Book Club - March
    Thu, Mar 05
    Mar 05, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    What better way to meet someone than over the pages of a book? Join us for a special edition of Thursday Book Club with a Q&A session with Roxy Dunn.
  • The Loosely Bookish Pub Quiz - March
    The Loosely Bookish Pub Quiz - March
    Mar 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Respect to be gained. Prizes to be won.
  • BEHIND THE SCENES with the Blue Pencil Agency
    BEHIND THE SCENES with the Blue Pencil Agency
    Mar 11, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    What No One Tells You About Becoming a Bestseller - with author Samuel Burr
  • MEET THE BÀRD: Stu Hennigan
    MEET THE BÀRD: Stu Hennigan
    Thu, Mar 12
    Mar 12, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    We are delighted to be hosting the first London event for Stu Hennigan's hotly tipped debut novel 'Keshed', a brutally poetic examination of class, belonging, masculinity, addiction and fatherhood. Stu will be in conversation with writer and critic Jude Cook.
  • MEET THE BÀRD: Jenny Lau 'An A-Z of Chinese Food'
    MEET THE BÀRD: Jenny Lau 'An A-Z of Chinese Food'
    Mar 13, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    'You Meet Us At A Very Chinese Time In Our Lives' Jenny Lau in conversation with Susie Lau
  • MEET THE BÀRD: Xiaolu Guo
    MEET THE BÀRD: Xiaolu Guo
    Tue, Mar 17
    Mar 17, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Join Xiaolu in conversation with our own Barry Pierce to discuss her feminist retelling of 'Moby Dick'
  • Unexpected Guests - storytelling for ages 3-5
    Unexpected Guests - storytelling for ages 3-5
    Mar 18, 2026, 3:45 PM – 4:20 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Storytelling for kids ages 2-7 Free but limited numbers
  • Bard Debuts - March 2026
    Bard Debuts - March 2026
    Wed, Mar 18
    Bàrd Books
    Mar 18, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Imagine a night of speed dating except the people selling themselves are the newest authors on the scene. JOIN US for the latest of a monthly night celebrating debut author. Meet the faces behind the work as they each take the stage for 10 minutes to present their work.
  • MEET THE BÀRD: Lola Lafon + Lauren Elkin
    MEET THE BÀRD: Lola Lafon + Lauren Elkin
    Mar 24, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Join Lola Lafon and translator Lauren Elkin to discuss this quietly powerful exploration of memory and forgetting, from one of France's leading feminist public intellectuals.
  • BEHIND THE SCENES with the Blue Pencil Agency
    BEHIND THE SCENES with the Blue Pencil Agency
    Mar 25, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    CRAFT MEETS COMMERCE: What Publishers Want Writers to Know
  • Kidnap - by Samia Rida
    Kidnap - by Samia Rida
    Fri, Apr 10
    Bàrd Books
    Apr 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Live at Bàrd - the 5-star comedy/drama 'Kidnap'
  • MEET THE BÀRD: Tash Aw in conversation with Nicola Dinan
    MEET THE BÀRD: Tash Aw in conversation with Nicola Dinan
    Apr 28, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK

Brown Cockapoo dog sitting on pink and green checkered cushion

In the Press

BBC logo: three black squares with white letters

'I feel like we're bringing people together'

Logo text: The Slice

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

Black image, no content

Independent Bookshop of the Month: Bàrd Books

Faber logo: elegant typography

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

bottom of page