A PENARTH bookshop has again been named the best in Wales, the fourth time it has taken the accolade in the past six years.

In addition to its carefully curated range of stock, independent Griffin Books on Windsor road is well-known for its busy programme of author events featuring a line-up of household names as well as platforming some incredible local Welsh talent. 

They also run six book clubs for all ages, offer bespoke book subscriptions and hold a weekly storytime for toddlers, and actively partner with other independent businesses and supporting local good causes.

Griffin is now in the running to win Independent Bookshop of the Year, which will be announced when The British Book Awards ceremony returns to central London on Monday, 11 May. The Independent Bookshop of the Year winner will also join the shortlist for Book Retailer of the Year.

The latest success is part of a chain of positive events at Griffin and its consistent success and constant renewal. There was a big step forward in 2025 when a unit became available next door, creating a new space dedicated to children and teens while freeing up room in the main shop for more adult titles and non-book items. 

Bolstered by events, subscriptions, schools activity and much more, sales rose by nearly a third in 2025.

The award, sponsored by book wholesaler Gardners, celebrates those bookshops that continue to draw book lovers to towns and cities across the United Kingdom and Ireland

Tom Tivnan, The Bookseller deputy editor, said: "Our record year of submissions speaks to the fine fettle independent bookshops are in despite the myriad challenges small businesses face. 

"In an incredibly competitive year, our winners are the best of best: kings and queens of local high streets, pillars of communities and – crucially in this National Year of Reading – champions of helping others discover the joy of books."