New book store opens in Axbridge tea shop

Skye Frewin has opened a book shop in her mother's tea shop at the Almshouse in Axbridge, broadening the retail offering to residents to include a range of new publications to those of cakes, coffee and cream teas.

The books include novels for young adults and illustrated children's titles giving a selection for families to browse and buy.

Skye said the enterprise was to help fund the next stage of her education having already graduated from Exeter University with a degree in English.

Open from Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm the book shop is features Inclusive Indie titles such as Crosshairs by Catherine Hernandez, In the Palace of Flowers by Victoria Princewell and Wolfstongue by Sam Thompson.

Like many businesses, the Almshouse Tea Shop faced challenging financial times. Axbridge Chamber of Commerce member and proprietor Nicky Frewin had to close during the lockdowns and, to combat the drop in cashflow, sold food and drinks from the front door and therefore converting the business briefly to that of a small scale grocery store – one of the exemptions under the Government's Covid-19 rules.

"The book store idea came about at the right time," said Nicky, "as Skye had completed her degree, she needed funds for her master's degree but also to help me with the reduced hours at the tea shop.

"We have converted part of the Almshouse with book shelves and displays so you can have a pot of tea and cakes while browsing the books. They go so well together, and it's a mother and daughter enterprise."

Skye, who has joined the Axbridge Chamber of Commerce alongside her mother, said one of her passions was sustainability saying the book shop and café symbolised this perfectly.

Speaking for the chamber of commerce, chairman Richard Helps who owns the Post Office said it was brilliant that a new business had opened in the town.

He said: "It's important that residents support local businesses and I encourage everyone to visit the book shop and back Skye and Nicky's enterprises.

"Axbridge traditionally has had a range of retailers and services, and it is important that we endorse them as a community."

The Almshouse Tea Shop dating to the 14th century is on the corner of Axbridge Square and Moorland Street.

It has closed this week due to staff having to self-isolate due to Covid-19 but will reopen tomorrow (August 4).

To join the chamber costs £10 a year – for more information visit http://www.harrymottram.co.uk/axbridge/axbridge-chamber-of-commerce/