THE owner of a Southend bookshop which only opened six months ago is blown away to be featured in a national book lover’s travel guide.

Mandy’s Book Snug, located on Priory Works in Southend, and Read on Sea, based on Leigh Broadway, have both been recognised in the fourth edition of the Bookshop Tours of Britain.

The guide features the shops as two new additions from south Essex in its Bookshop Bagging section, which highlights “excellent” independent bookshops. 

Mandy Bennett - Owner of Mandy's Book SnugMandy Bennett - Owner of Mandy's Book Snug (Image: Mandy Bennett)


Mandy Bennett, from Southend, owner of the Book Snug, which only opened in Easter this year, was left ecstatic at the news.

The 46-year-old said: “It is surprising, I didn’t really think I would feature. My store is very low key, I have kept the business generally local. I haven’t been massively promoted, I’m just wondering how it got there.

“It’s a complete surprise, but it’s a lovely surprise. I wonder who put it out there, it’s a good thing to see. 

Happy reader - The store's first customer, Henry, with his bookHappy reader - The store's first customer, Henry, with his book (Image: Mandy Bennett)


“We’re a very small business. To know that we are in there locally, and in there with another bookshop is really lovely, that’s brilliant

“It’s nice to know that small local businesses are being recognised, it’s great.

“I definitely would never have imagined that I would be featured. It’s really lovely to be recognised and published in something.” 

Cosy - The interior of Mandy's Book SnugCosy - The interior of Mandy's Book Snug (Image: Mandy Bennett)


Mandy invited anyone looking to check out the bookshop to “kick back and relax” and enjoy the 400 books it has on offer.

She added she would like to offer a space for reading groups in the future to use the store as a library, either bringing their own books to read or enjoy ones off the shelf.

The store mainly caters to age ranges from young children to young adults, with genres including adventure, humour, non-fiction, and more. 

Also featured - Read on Sea in LeighAlso featured - Read on Sea in Leigh (Image: George Pizani)


It also offers comic books and puzzle books for children to engage with.

Options for adults include crime, mystery, and contemporary romance novels, while there are also cookery books available.

The Bookshop Tours of Britain slow-travel guides are authored by Louise Boland and highlight the best bookshops across the UK.