The owners of Simply Books, voted Independent Bookshop of the Year for the North of England at the 2025 British Book Awards, have announced that they are embarking on the next chapter with the launch of their new site, Prologue, an independent bookshop coming to Stockport, complete with a cocktail bar, speciality coffee shop and dedicated event space.
First announced in June while the shop was still an empty unit in the Weir Mill development, Prologue has announced their anticipated opening date: Saturday 26 September. The award‑winning team behind the new shop have also revealed more details of what visitors can expect the new space to look like.
Designed from the ground up to put books, events and readers at the heart of the experience, Prologue aims to rethink what a modern bookshop can be.
“We’ve truly ripped up the bookshop rulebook to create something really special,” says owner Ben Johns. “We wanted to build somewhere that feels like much more than a place to just buy a book, somewhere people can spend time, discover something new, meet authors and become part of a literary community.”
With rolling ladders and floor‑to‑ceiling shelves, it’s the perfect place for readers and creatives alike to meet, grab a coffee and discover their next book.
Designed for both writers and readers
Prologue has been purpose‑built to support an ambitious programme of author events, launches, open mics and performances. The space includes a dedicated stage and green room for talent, where they’ll support everyone from bestselling authors to open mic and comedy performance evenings.
Simply Books, owned by the same team, has hosted authors like Ruth Jones, Jodi Picoult, Harlan Coben, Jacqueline Wilson and Oti Mabuse.
Bookselling, just not as you know it
Prologue will also take a different approach to the traditional bookselling experience. Rather than keeping booksellers behind a till, the team will work across the shop floor, using handheld devices to serve customers.
Visitors can also expect a dedicated concierge desk that will provide another point of contact, offering event tickets, curated recommendations and access to Prologue’s book clubs, as well as language classes and regular events like comedy nights and live music.
Writing corners
The Prologue team will host creative writing workshops, script writing classes and a series of creative events. Even outside of these, Prologue is the perfect place to co‑work, with a dedicated library table and all‑day coffee service, as well as cosy reading nooks featuring adjustable lighting to take visitors from afternoon studying to evening stories.
Book clubs for every type of reader
Prologue will launch with a dedicated book club room, which will host thirty different book clubs each month. The space has been designed to create a home for readers to meet, discuss books and make new friends.
From dedicated fantasy and romantasy book clubs to crime, thriller and non‑fiction, there’s a book club for every type of reader. Customers can sign up for the waitlist on the website for first access, which is advised, as all of Simply Books’ first wave of book clubs filled up within hours.
As well as their book clubs, Prologue will host a series of language classes. Readers will be able to practice their speaking skills from the comfort of a dedicated room.
Morning coffee to late‑night cocktails
The experience won’t stop at books. Prologue will serve coffee and pastries throughout the morning, perfect for those looking for a creative space to write or co‑work, while its bar will offer literary cocktails, wines and thoughtfully crafted non‑alcoholic drinks.
The aim is to create a space that can evolve throughout the day, from a morning coffee and a browse through the shelves to an evening author event, book club or drink at the bar. Prologue is already taking special bookings for celebrations, including birthdays and even weddings.
Prologue opens on Saturday 26 September.
