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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

  • Bard Debuts - April 2026
    Bard Debuts - April 2026
    Wed, Apr 22
    Bàrd Books
    Apr 22, 2026, 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.
  • We Are Dragon
    We Are Dragon
    Thu, Apr 23
    Private school event
    Apr 23, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Private school event
    Author signing with Alastair Chisholm
  • Laughlines open-mic comedy - April
    Laughlines open-mic comedy - April
    Apr 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Monthly open-mic comedy night hosted by Jess Carrivick ( ☆☆☆☆☆ 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, BAFTA Rocliffe shortlist writer) and headline act ELI HART "Probably the cheapest night out in London" (said someone once).
  • MEET THE BÀRD: Tash Aw in conversation with Nicola Dinan
    MEET THE BÀRD: Tash Aw in conversation with Nicola Dinan
    Apr 28, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
  • Scratch Night
    Scratch Night
    Wed, Apr 29
    Bàrd Books
    Apr 29, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    A night of unseen theatre presented by local theatre company 'No Cucumbers in the Market'
  • Explore the Far Side of the Moon - author event
    Explore the Far Side of the Moon - author event
    May 01, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Private school event
    Author signing with Jenny Jacoby
  • Ban Ban's Bakery - private school event
    Ban Ban's Bakery - private school event
    Tue, May 05
    May 05, 2026, 9:00 AM
    Private school event
    Author signing with Elena Hiroko Magee
  • TESTING GROUND - open mic poetry and performance
    TESTING GROUND - open mic poetry and performance
    May 06, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Join us for May's night of open-mic poetry and music from the team behind 'Off The Chest' Featuring headline Jake Wild Hall.
  • Singles Book Club - May
    Singles Book Club - May
    Thu, May 07
    Bàrd Books
    May 07, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    What better way to meet someone than over the pages of a book? Join us for a Thursday's Singles Book Club.
  • MEET THE BÀRD: Helen Graham in conversation with Ben Lippett
    MEET THE BÀRD: Helen Graham in conversation with Ben Lippett
    May 12, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Meet the face, hear the chat and taste the snacks!
  • Living in the Melancholony
    Living in the Melancholony
    Tue, May 19
    May 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    An evening of African and Afro-diasporic writing.
  • Bard Debuts - May 2026
    Bard Debuts - May 2026
    Wed, May 20
    Bàrd Books
    May 20, 2026, 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 edition of a monthly night celebrating debut authors. Meet the faces behind the work as they each take the stage for 10 minutes to present their work.
  • Meet the Bàrd - Jan Carson in conversation with Caoilinn Hughes
    Meet the Bàrd - Jan Carson in conversation with Caoilinn Hughes
    May 21, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
  • MEET THE BÀRD: Meena Kandasamy
    MEET THE BÀRD: Meena Kandasamy
    Jun 09, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    In conversation with Moya Lothian-Mclean

Brown Cockapoo dog sitting on pink and green checkered cushion

In the Press

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'I feel like we're bringing people together'

Logo text: The Slice

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

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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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