The quirky Birmingham bookshop crowned UK’s Independent Bookshop of the Year 2025
Birmingham’s thriving literary scene shines as The Heath Bookshop wins the UK's Independent Bookshop of the Year 2025 award.
Birmingham’s literary scene just scored a major win. The Heath Bookshop in Kings Heath has been named the 2025 Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards — making it the first ever store in Birmingham to take the national title.
Judges praised The Heath Bookshop as “a microcosm of the vibrancy of modern independent bookselling”, applauding its inclusive stock, grassroots community projects, and its standout record of author events.
Since opening its doors in 2022, the shop has hosted over 130 events, including crowd-pullers like Rick Astley, Richard Armitage, Derek Owusu, and Jess Phillips. It's also launched its own Literature and Music Festival, secured Arts Council funding, and built a loyal following with a book subscription service and regular film screenings.
A shop born from shared passion
The Heath was founded by Catherine Gale and Claire Dawes, who met on a Booksellers Association course and realised they shared a dream. From there, they built something more than a bookshop — a cultural hub in the heart of Kings Heath. It’s a small team: just Catherine, Claire, and one part-time staff member, Abbey. But their impact is anything but small.
“We are completely overwhelmed,” said Gale and Dawes after the win. “We couldn’t believe we’d won the Midlands, let alone the national award. We’re only two and a half years old. The support we’ve had has been amazing.”
Full list of 2025 regional and country winners:
- East England – Maldon Books, Essex
- London – Queen’s Park Books, Queen’s Park
- Midlands – The Heath Bookshop, King’s Heath, Birmingham (also overall UK winner)
- North England – Simply Books, Bramhall
- Northern Ireland – Bridge Books, Dromore
- Scotland – Book Nook, Stewarton
- South-East England – Medina Books, Cowes, Isle of Wight
- South-West England – Storysmith, Bristol
- Wales – Griffin Books, Penarth
These shops were selected from a field of 72 standout independents across the UK — each known not just for bookselling, but for building community through events, recommendations, and a shared love of literature.
From Kings Heath to the country’s top honour, The Heath Bookshop has proved what a fiercely independent store with a bold vision and heart for the community can achieve.