Books & Bevs in Acomb named Best Independent Retailer

Books & Bevs, in Front Street, was presented with the award after thousands of readers voted to declare their winner in the competition.

Speaking about this, owners Joe and Allie, said: “We are thrilled to be named the best independent retailer in York for 2026.

“It was an honour just to be a finalist, winning is quite surreal, especially since we haven’t even been open 6 months yet.

“We are part of such an amazing community in Acomb and wouldn’t be where we are without the support of every customer that calls in and helps small independent businesses thrive.”

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Books & Bevs opened in December 2025 and has proved a firm hit with locals, who value the bookshop’s cosy and comfortable space where customers can pour over a new book with a hot drink.

Books & Bevs opened in Front Street, Acomb, six months ago and has already become a firm favourite in the city (Image: Books & Bevs)

Joe said: “Whilst we’re in esteemed company bookshop-wise in York, the addition of the Bevs side of our business offers customers a chance to grab a hot drink and browse at their leisure or let the younger ones find their next read while they relax.

“It’s early days for us but we aim to keep providing and improving a great space for book lovers, coffee enthusiasts and somewhere for people to come relax and unwind.”

Throughout the Press competition, Books & Bevs championed each finalist with posts on social media.

“It was an honour just to be a finalist, winning is quite surreal, especially since we haven’t even been open 6 months yet” (Image: Books & Bevs)

Joe said that it gave him and Allie a “wonderful” chance to highlight the city’s many “great small businesses”.

The pair also works with the Blueberry Academy, dedicating a space in their shop for students to displace project ‘Blind Date With A Book’.  

The Pay As You Feel initiative invites customers to pick up a mystery book, wrapped by students at the Blueberry Academy, based on a short description.

Students at the Blueberry Academy in York individually wrap the mystery books for customers to select (Image: Books & Bevs)

Joe said: “It makes such a difference to the students, who have worked so hard on this.

“We are so, so happy to host the space for the incredible work the students have done and the merchandising they’ve provided is top quality.”

Aside from this, the bookshop also hosts two monthly book clubs, regular Polymer Clay Jewellery classes with local artist Cheeky Budgie Design and a Creative Writing Workshop for eight to 12-year-olds – hosted by local writer Dan Peacock.

The cosy space is designed with reading lovers in mind (Image: Books & Bevs)

“We’ve also had author events at the shop where local and non-local authors have had the chance to promote their work and discuss their writing process with an engaged audience.”, Joe said.

Speaking about the competition, he added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the other finalists who reached out to pass on their congratulations and well wishes once the final 10 were announced.

“We are blessed with so many incredible independent businesses in York and to be alongside the fellow finalists was a huge achievement for us personally.”