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Bookshop interior: shelves filled with various books, display table with new releases

Bàrd Books

Bard Books Store Front

More than just a book shop

BÀRD BOOKS is more than just a bookshop. Alongside the carefully curated bookshelves, it’s a place you can pop in for a coffee or pastry; somewhere to meet friends, make friends, do some work, read a book, write a book, listen to authors, hear some music – just escape. Bookshops are third spaces; “much-loved local haunts that are neither home nor the workplace, but which we rely on for a sense of community and everyday socialising… the lifeblood of our high streets and fundamental to our mental health.” [ROMAN ROAD LDN]. In the evening, the lights dim, and books provide the backdrop for a glass of something deliciously chilled.

LOOKING FOR A BOOK? Browse the shelves or grab one of our team for some recommendations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • WRITER'S HOUR
    WRITER'S HOUR
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Jul 09
    Bàrd Books
    Jul 09, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Looking for a quiet, inspiring space to write? Join us every Wednesday from 6–7pm for a creative writing prompt, focused writing time, and a chance to share in a supportive community. Free, relaxed, and open to all!
  • An Ode to House Shares
    An Ode to House Shares
    Wed, Jul 09
    Bàrd Books
    Jul 09, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Renting is a nightmare... but does it have to be? Join authors Alice Wilkinson, Silvia Saunders and Raisin Langan as they deep dive into the world of house shares, renting and the property nightmare of London in their books - both fiction and non-fiction.
  • The Bàrd's (Loosely Bookish) Pub Quiz
    The Bàrd's (Loosely Bookish) Pub Quiz
    Jul 16, 2025, 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Respect to be gained. Prizes to be won.
  • Bàrd Debuts - July
    Bàrd Debuts - July
    Wed, Jul 23
    Bàrd Books
    Jul 23, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Imagine a night of speed dating except the people selling themselves are the newest authors on the scene. JOIN US for the latest of a monthly night celebrating debut author. Meet the faces behind the work as they each take the stage for 10 minutes to present their work.
  • Singles Book Club - JULY
    Singles Book Club - JULY
    Thu, Jul 24
    Bàrd Books
    Jul 24, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Hello my gorgeous Thursday singles! Are you a book lover looking for a fresh way to meet like-minded people? Join us for the Thursday Book Club! A fun, relaxed, and exciting way to connect with others who share your passion for reading!
  • Laughlines
    Laughlines
    Fri, Jul 25
    Bàrd Books
    Jul 25, 2025, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Open-mic comedy hosted by Jess Carrivick with headline act Freya McGhee
  • July Book Club - Paradais (with translator Sophie Hughes)
    July Book Club - Paradais (with translator Sophie Hughes)
    Jul 31, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Something dark, short, hot and sweaty for summer.
  • Meet the Bàrd - David Nicholls
    Meet the Bàrd - David Nicholls
    Sep 23, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    The man who made the nation cry with 'One Day' not just once, but twice; and one of our favourite Davids - in conversation with our own Barry Pierce.
  • An evening of poetry
    An evening of poetry
    Fri, Oct 03
    Oct 03, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    London, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Join Len Pennie to launch her new book of poems 'poyums annaw' alongside Joelle Taylor 'The Night Alphabet' and 'C+nto' and Theresa Lola 'Ceremony for the Nameless'
  • Hollie McNish in conversation with Salma El-Wardany
    Hollie McNish in conversation with Salma El-Wardany
    Oct 12, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Hollie is an award-winning poet, writer and performer. She is the Sunday Times bestselling author of 'Lobster' and 'Slug' and won the Ted Hughes award for new work in poetry with her poetry and parenting memoir 'Nobody Told Me'.
  • Meet the Bàrd: Gary Younge and Sulaima Addonia
    Meet the Bàrd: Gary Younge and Sulaima Addonia
    Oct 15, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Join writers Sulaiman Addonia and Gary Younge in a discussion inspired by Addonia's acclaimed novel ‘The Seers’, as they share their perspectives on London, writing, Sudan, the experiences of refugees, and much more.

Brown Cockapoo dog sitting on pink and green checkered cushion

In the Press

BBC logo: three black squares with white letters

'I feel like we're bringing people together'

Logo text: The Slice

A bar in a bookshop? The new independent bookstore on Roman Road 

Black image, no content

Independent Bookshop of the Month: Bàrd Books

Faber logo: elegant typography

10 London bookshops are finalists for Independent Bookshop of the Year 2025

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