By 
The Broken Binding, the online science fiction and fantasy bookshop and publisher, has opened its first physical shop at 11 Red Lion Court, off Bridge Street in Stratford-upon-Avon. It opened on Saturday 10 October, and the Stratford Herald reported queues from 10am to 3pm, with some customers travelling from abroad.
Where it is
The shop’s own FAQ gives the address as 11 Red Lion Court, Bridge Street, CV37 6AB. Red Lion Court is the small courtyard of shops off Bridge Street, a couple of minutes’ walk from the Bancroft Gardens and the bus stops on Bridge Street.
The shop hasn’t published its opening hours online yet, so check its website or social media before making a special trip. The FAQ lists a general email address, info@thebrokenbinding.co.uk, for questions.
What it is
The Broken Binding started online in 2021, according to the Herald, and sells books online as well as publishing its own editions. The Stratford shop is its first bricks-and-mortar store. The Herald’s earlier report said the plans include a reading lounge upstairs and a gallery with changing exhibitions every few months.
Parking and getting there
The nearest council car parks are Bridgeway Multi-Storey (first hour free, pay on return) and Riverside, both a few minutes’ walk away. See our Stratford parking guide for prices, or the bus times page for buses into Bridge Street and Wood Street.
Stratford’s bookshops
The Broken Binding joins a town that already has Waterstones, the Chaucer Head second-hand bookshop, the Oxfam Bookshop and the shop at Shakespeare’s Birthplace. A specialist shop with its own fan base could bring new visitors to the Bridge Street end of town.
Run the shop, or opening something new in Stratford? Send us your details and photos. More openings are in our weekly New in Stratford column and on the business page.
Alex Harrington
Alex Harrington grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and runs What's up, Stratford? as an independent guide to the town.
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