A POPULAR bookstore in Penarth has been selected among 48 finalists for Best Independent Bookshop in the 2021 British Book Awards – and they have had some famous faces visit over the years.

Griffin Books, in Windsor Arcade, are up against three other bookshops in Wales – Bookish in Crickhowell, Chepstow Books in Chepstow, and Cover to Cover in Swansea.

The 2021 regional and country winners will be announced on 17th March; the overall winner will be revealed during the online British Book Awards ceremony which this year will take place on 13th May.

Griffin Books owner, Mel Griffin, for your piece: "To be selected as a Welsh finalist for Independent Bookshop of the Year really does mean the world to us.

Penarth Times: Griffin Books shop front. Griffin Books shop front.

“The last year has been quite a whirlwind and it's fantastic to see all our hard work paying off. 

“We couldn't have got this far without the amazing commitment and adaptability of the whole Griffin Books team, and of course the support of our wonderful customers here in Penarth and beyond.

“We're keeping everything crossed for the next round of judging!"

The bookstore has held live author events in Penarth with some famous names over the last few years: Ruth Jones, Sam Warburton, Warren Gatland, Damon Hill, David Nicholls, Joanna Trollope, Carol Ann Duffy, Gillian Clarke, Eddie Izzard, Kate Mosse, Gordon Brown, Victoria Hislop, Children's Laureate, Cressida Cowell, and Chris Riddell.

Penarth Times: Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones visited the shop for her book signing. Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones visited the shop for her book signing.

Ruth Jones, Sam Warburton, and Eddie Izzard all visited the shop itself to do signings.

They have also had a few famous customers in the shop, including Jodie Whittaker from Dr Who and Gabriel Byrn who were filming in the area.

Despite the pandemic, in the last year the shop has held virtual events with James Naughtie, Simon Mayo, Ann Cleeves, Jeffrey Archer, Clare Mackintosh Former First Minister Carwyn Jones, Jamie Carragher, Rachel Joyce, and Ruth Jones.

Penarth Times: Shop owner Mel Griffin with Sam Warburton at a previous book signing Shop owner Mel Griffin with Sam Warburton at a previous book signing

Tom Tivnan, The Bookseller’s managing editor, said: “Last year was a difficult for the entire books trade but indie booksellers were perhaps at very sharpest end of the pandemic.

“Yet, as we can see by 48 entries on the Independent Bookshop of the Year shortlists, indies tackled the coronavirus restrictions with vigour, creativity and innovation.”