Finding a dream space

August Bank holiday, keeping things simple

If there was ever a time of year to stay local, keep things easy and enjoy the weather, it’s got to be the August Bank Holiday. In Sheffield we’re teetering on the edge of seasons, that gorgeous Autumn breeze has hit, the sky is bliss and it’s still not quite coat weather. This inbetweenness affects me every year, there’s lots of optimism and possibility for Autumn and a busy season but there’s also a rumbling of overwhelm and newness. Fred too is confused and a furry fluster, eyes wide from our long grass plant blowing all over the place. I love the back to school atmosphere, the smell of the mulch woods and all-round hint at cosy nights in but it’s not quite there yet, like at the start of a race, I’m almost ready to go, to talk all about the market events, but August feels that little bit too soon, instead I felt it was a good time for a bit of reminiscing over August.

This weekend i‘m heading back to Novel in Crookes, to grab a coffee and a book for September. Google reminded me to get reviewing the places I’d been this month, Novel was a big 5 star situation and it reminded me that I wanted to talk about my experience in the newsletter.

I described Novel on instagram like finding that perfect spot, the ones you see in the movies. Every year you will catch me chatting about You’ve Got Mail, way before Christmas. I love the romance of Autumn/Winter of the cosy coffee dates, of cable knits, of making plans to see friends because amongst the cool horror movies and Sunday roasts there’s nothing like catch ups and a great reason to eat treats when the weathers feeling moody. And Novel have created a destination for just that.

Walking down to Novel (221 School Rd, Crookes, Sheffield) from the main Crookes highstreet, you get to wander past beautiful cottage terraces. It’s a quiet, a downhill wander and feels like you’re finding a hidden gem. There’s a post box outside, with pots of flowers, it feels like coming home. Kate and Joe have created a cosy space effortlessly balancing both shop and cafe, the look out window bar is a gorgeous spot to reflect, daydream and sticky tab those pages, imagining solo dates and autumn leaves. The bookshop is aesthetically easy to browse and gorgeous to photograph , with a carefully curated inclusive range of exciting new editions and beautiful covered classics. Dusty pink pallettes a nod to Novels OG branding and pops of silver and chocolate brown celebrating the modernity and warmth of the space, it feels timeless. There are cushions, and nods to independent art all around, and a banner hand crafted above the counter ‘BOOOKS’ by Tara Collette. Nothing has been overlooked, from the soft lighting, cosy cushions, smoked glass window to the noise cancelling headphones. Crafted to evoke reflection, relaxation and time out.

I can’t wait to see the magic that Novel will continue to create, the community that will grow and even more sell out bookclubs they’ll announce.

Big on Books ? Here’s some book musings from me.

• Love a picture book, Shelf Editions in Lincoln have a huge sale online and in person.

• Sheffield folk the exciting opening of Leah’s yard is this weekend and it will see La Biblioteka land in there new central location.

• My beautiful Pal Kerry Rach featured above (cute) hosts Sex Ed book Club in Sheffield , there are two upcoming bookclubs to check out, both hosted at Juno in Town.

• The algorithm worked and now all I wan’t is this new book from CounterPrint Books - Sophie Smallhorn: Works

  Thank you for reading, being a susbstack pal, hope you have a beautiful weekend, as always feel free to leave a comment, would love to hear what your bank holiday plans are.

  Char x