It may be coming up to summer, hopefully with some warmer days and sunny sessions, but we always come full circle back to loving cosy spaces and warm nooks here in Manchester. One such place that’s set to pop up in the near future is Prologue, a brand new independent bookshop, literary bar and event space from the mother and son owners of Bramhall’s award-winning Simply Books.
The Simply Books team
This new venture is in very safe hands, as Karen and Ben Johns and Jess Quan ensured Simply Books was crowned the North England winner at the Independent Bookshop of the Year awards in 2025, and has yet again been shortlisted for 2026.
Having become a community staple after the team took over in 2024, Simply Books is not… simply books – but a space for literary events, somewhere for a drop of coffee or something stronger, and a community hub loved by locals. Karen, Ben and Jess are looking to replicate this and more with Prologue, bringing that community spirit to Stockport town centre.
What to expect at Prologue
Prologue is set to open later this year in Stockport’s highly-anticipated Weir Mill development, blending a bookshop, wine bar and coffee shop with a unique late-night offering. This set-up allows visitors the chance to discover new reads and socialise in comfort, encouraging people to stay for more than just a quick browse.
The new space is set to be 50% bigger than the existing site in Bramhall, and will accommodate a risen stage dedicated to signings, readings and even new comedy shows and open mic nights. Prologue is expected to stay open until 9pm most nights, allowing for regular evening events.
More information on the opening of Prologue is expected soon, but in the meantime you can visit Simply Books at 228 Moss Ln, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 1BD.
📍 Prologue will be located at Weir Mill, Chestergate, Stockport SK3 0AG.