This independent bookshop & cafe is based in the beautiful Scottish Borders village of St Boswells, has won a raft of awards, including Best Bookshop 2012 at The Telegraph’s Best Small Shops Awards and Scottish Independent Bookshop of the Year 2011 & 2012 at the Bookseller Industry Awards.
The bookshop has over 7,000 titles in stock with particular importance placed on its extensive children’s section which has its own devoted niche in the store. Readers of all ages, tastes, abilities and interests are catered for. The 'Book Burrows' opened in May this year - these are beautiful dens where childen can sit to listen to audio books. The bookshop also hosts a lively programme of author events, and has welcomed writers ranging from Michael Morpurgo and Clare Balding to Esther Freud and Alexander McCall Smith.
The Deli was opened by chef, Tom Kitchin in November 2012. It has a strong local focus, combined with international flavours from Spain and the middle east, plus showcasing West Country cheeses (owner, Bill, grew up in Somerset).
The cafe has always been a key part of the business, so a deli was the logical next step, allowing space to expand the offering. Bill and his team are working closely with local suppliers such as Julia Bruce (who makes many of the cafe’s mouth-watering cakes), Peelham Farm and Hardiesmill, to create a broad range of specialist foods with a particular focus on cheeses, cured and smoked meats. Nationally, they source a delicious range of cheeses from suppliers such as Neal's Yard, Anthony Rowcliffe & Sons and I J Mellis, while internationally, Bill indulges a love of all things Spanish, working with Brindisa (www.brindisa.com).
Homeware at Mainstreet is sourced from as many independent artisan suppliers as possible, and stock ranges from kitchenware and stationery, to children's slippers and wooden toys, plus a some larger items along with Diana Muir Antiques, ranged alongside Homeware.
