P&G Wells on College Street, regarded as one of the oldest continually operating bookshops in Britain, was crowned Regional Bookshop of the Year for South East England as part of the 2026 British Book Awards.
The accolade celebrates the best in independent bookselling, with nine shops across the UK and Ireland recognised for their contributions to readers and communities.
Books’ Curator and custodian of P&G Wells, Steve Scholey, said: “We are chuffed to bits. We have so many people telling us that we are the best bookshop in Hampshire and have won various awards for that in the past. To be selected as the best in the south-east is very pleasing and a great recognition of all the hard work from our team.
“There are lots of exciting events going forward, the next big one is the Winchester Books Festival which we are heavily promoting. We are always looking to improve what we offer to give new and exciting things to the book club community. Thinking further ahead we are really looking forward to our 300 year anniversary in 2029. When I took on this role I said I would get it through to the big anniversary and eventually hand it over to the next custodian.”
Tom Tivnan, deputy editor of The Bookseller, said: “It is a broad tent of shops that run the gamut from one of the oldest continually-run stores, there has been a bookshop at Winchester’s P&G Wells’ premises for just under 300 years, to relative newcomers like London’s Backstory.
“Our record year of submissions speaks to the fine fettle independent bookshops are in despite the myriad challenges small businesses face.
“In an incredibly competitive year, these nine winners are the best of best: kings and queens of local high streets, pillars of communities and – crucially in this National Year of Reading – champions of helping others discover the joy of books.”
Celebrating Jane Austen’s Books’Curator and custodian’ of P&G Wells Steve Scholey (L) celebrates Independent Bookshop Week 2025 with local authors Claire Fuller, Judith Heneghan, Kirsty Applebaum, James McConachie and Alice Hunthop (Image: P&G Wells)
The awards, sponsored by Gardners, honour independent bookshops that bring “energy, innovation, entrepreneurship” and who are described as being both “digitally savvy and customer-focused.”
P&G Wells in Winchester has operated since the 18th century and has celebrated various milestones over the years, including via the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, who lived just down the street.
Today, the bookshop organises a busy schedule of events and takes part in festivals and school partnerships.
Other regional winners recognised across the UK included Griffin Books in Penarth for Wales, The Book Hive in Norfolk for east England, and Truman Books in Farsley, Leeds for the north of England.
Each shortlisted bookshop will now contend for the overall title of Independent Bookshop of the Year, set to be announced at The British Book Awards ceremony in London on May 11.
The winner will receive a £5,000 prize from Gardners and will also be entered into the running for Book Retailer of the Year.
Meryl Halls, managing director of the Booksellers Association, said: “As we celebrate the National Year of Reading in the UK, the role independent bookshops play in championing authors, inspiring reading for pleasure and bringing communities together has never been more important and relevant.
“It’s fantastic to see revealed this year’s regional and country winners – whose passion, creativity and commitment reflect the very best of the immeasurable value independent bookshops bring across the UK and Ireland.”
