‘Home away from home’: New chapter for Hartlepool as brand new bookshop and coffee house opens
A brand new book shop and coffee house has opened in Hartlepool – and it is already proving popular.
Wild Pages Bookshop opened its doors to the public at the end of June, selling a range of books, coffee and cakes.
Based at the former Stranton Business Centre, on Stockton Road, in Hartlepool, Wild Pages Bookshop sells everything from crime and thriller to romance and fantasy.
It also sells a range of children’s books and colouring books.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the shop, Abi Armstrong, founder of Wild Pages, said: “I used to work in a betting shop before, so I've always worked with people.
"Before that, I was a community carer, so I know I wanted to work with people – and I’ve always loved reading.
"It just felt like a good time. I’m 35 now so I thought it’s the time to do it.
"It’s one of those things where I got an idea and I just made it happen.”
Abi, who is from Trimdon, also sells tea, coffee and cakes from a little cafe area at the front of the shop, with vegan and gluten free options available.
Wild Pages also sells a number of ‘blind dates with a book’, a reading trend where a book’s title, author and cover are hidden, with the wrapper featuring brief clues as to the book’s contents.
Merchandise is also available to buy throughout the shop, most of which is made by Abi herself.
She said: “I needed something to do to keep myself busy while the builders were in, so I just starting making things like charms and keyrings – so I sell those too.”
Abi officially got the keys to the unit on June 1, opening up to the public just 21 days later.
She said: “It was a really quick turn-around.
"Me and my dad spent a lot of time building furniture and getting everything sorted.
"There’s still things to be done – it’s more of a work-in-progress.”
Abi hosts a book club every other Sunday as well as book-themed events and launch parties.
She said: “It’s a home away from home.
"Everyone has been so nice and supportive, and I’m really excited for the year ahead.”
For more information about the shops and upcoming events, see https://www.facebook.com/wildpagesbookshop.