Burway Books in Church Stretton marks more than 50 years as a regional award finalist

In September 1974 a young woman called Ros, whose ambition was to read every new book published, realised that was unrealistic and decided to open a bookshop instead. More than half a century later, Burway Books is still a fixture of Church Stretton, in the heart of the Shropshire Hills.

This year the shop was named one of Shropshire's two regional finalists for Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards 2026, sponsored by wholesaler Gardners. It was the largest field yet for the award, with 76 shops shortlisted across nine regions and countries.

Tom Tivnan, deputy editor of The Bookseller, described the standard of submissions as "Grade-A", noting that independent bookshops are meeting the challenges of the high street with grit and innovation.

Meryl Halls, managing director of the Booksellers Association, called independent booksellers the "unsung heroes" of the industry and said that during this National Year of Reading the bookseller's role as a community pillar is more vital than ever.

Burway Books spent 37 years at No 10 Beaumont Road before moving in March 2011 to more spacious premises a few doors along, at 18 Beaumont Road. It now has more than 6,000 titles on its shelves or on order and can fulfil special orders from UK publishers.

The shop puts its long survival down to resilience, flexibility and community engagement. Window displays change often, booksellers' recommendations are shared online, and Ros will chat to customers over a cup of tea or coffee. A book group meets in the shop, and its Conservation and Countryside shelves reflect the landscape around the town. "A bookshop is not merely a business that sells books, but an amenity," the shop says, describing a space that also deals in "solace, enlightenment, entertainment and even friendship."

The team's love of reading shows on the website. One bookseller, Ceri, describes readers as book worms, book bees and book bears, before confessing: "I'm personally a book dragon, who hoards books like they're treasure."

Readers further afield are looked after too, with an online shop, nationwide posting and free delivery within four to five miles of the shop. Customers can also support Burway through Bookshop.org.

Burway Books is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. To order or find out more, call 01694 723388 or visit burwaybooks.co.uk.