Wave of Nostalgia, Howarth, wins in British Book Awards

Wave of Nostalgia, based in Main Street, Haworth, was named Independent Bookshop of the Year for the north in this year's British Book Awards, selected by the Bookseller magazine.

Located in the home of the Bronte sisters, the bookshop aims to be the "home of strong women". 

Inside the bookshop (Image: Mike Simmonds/Newsquest)

It focuses on selling fiction and non-fiction books by women, covering topics such as feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, well-being and the environment. 

The business also sells handmade clothes, t-shirts and gifts designed by women.

Owner Diane Park is delighted with the top award.

Diane Park outside her shop (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

She said: "It's been the best ever year for Wave of Nostalgia, one in which we met so many fantastic customers new and old, introduced brilliant authors to our little community and received such tremendous feedback. 

"To cap it all, we are amazed and excited to find out we're north of England winner in these awards. 

"It's a huge accolade, particularly as there so many fantastic bookshops in our region. 

"It's really very special and we'd like to thank everyone who has helped us to achieve this in only our third year as booksellers."

A spokesperson for the British Book Awards  said of Wave of Nostalgia: "The north England winner is a tiny shop in a village - Haworth in Yorkshire - that has several other places to buy books. 

A selection of books is on offer (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

"Yet it grew sales by a quarter in 2023, through outstanding booksellers and range selection, attractive displays and big author events. 

"Social media helped online sales soar. 

"'Best bookshop ever', said one customer."

Wave of Nostalgia will now go on to compete with eight other bookshops around the UK and Ireland for the overall Independent Bookshop of the Year Award.

If it wins that, it will also be in the running to be win the title of Book Retailer of the Year.

The final winners will be announced at the British Book Awards ceremony in London on May 13.

Tom Tivnan, managing editor of the Bookseller magazine, said: "Indie bookshops across the UK and Ireland are thriving and have met the very difficult recent trading conditions with creativity and cutting-edge innovation.

"In the last few years I have been calling this period an indie bookshop renaissance, but I think we have gone beyond that - we are in the golden age."

The British Book Awards, established in 1990, aims to highlight authors and illustrators, and the industry in general.