Woolfson & Tay - Bermondsey's Independent Local Bookshop, Café, Gallery.  Bermondsey Square, London SE1 -  Open 7 Days A Week - Mon to Sat : 11 am - 7 pm - Sun : 11 am - 5 pm
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Current & Upcoming Events & Authors @ W&T
Booking advised for all events unless stated. Please call 02074079316 or book online.


Fri, May 25, 2012. 10am-11am

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VANESSA WOOLF
STORYTELLING AND SING-A-LONG FOR KIDS
Storytelling and sing-a-long session with Vanessa Woolf. Back by popular demand! Every last Friday of the month. Fee: £3 per family. No need to book, just drop by!


Fri, May 25, 2012. 7pm-10pm

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SHIM SHAM TAP JAM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOJANGLES
INTERNATIONAL TAP DAY TAP JAM AND FILM NIGHT
Join Nada, Avalon and other tap dancers for a special tribute to Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson and International Tap Day. Places limited. Please book in-store, online or call 02074079316

Mon, 28 May 2012. 7pm-8.30pm

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SHEILA O'FLANAGAN, SASHA WAGSTAFF
CANADA WATER LIBRARY
Find out how bestselling authors Sheila O'Flanagan and Sasha Wagstaff swapped the boardroom for book deals. Free event. Booking required.

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Wed, 30 May 2012. 7pm-8.30pm

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BEN OKRI
CANADA WATER LIBRARY
The Booker Prize winning author of The Famished Road talks about his work and reads from Wild his first collection of poetry in over a decade. Free event. Booking required.

Sat, June 9, 2012. 11am

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TIM MCNALLY / MARK GETTLESON
ADVICE SURGERY WITH SOUTHWARK COUNCILLORS
Southwark Councillors Mark Gettleson and Tim McNally will be on hand to address local issues.  This is a regular monthly surgery, on the second Saturday of every month. No appointment necessary.


Wed, June 13, 2012. 7pm-8.30pm

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KAMIN MOHAMMADI, MAZIAR BAHARI, BEN RAWLENCE
LIVES ON THE LINE
Stories from the frontlines of conflict-ridden landscapes
This event explores the real life experiences of those reporting on international conflicts and wars, the incredible experiences these individuals undergo and at what cost - in terms of self, family, society and beyond. Please book in-store, online or call 02074079316

Wed, June 20, 2012. 7pm-8.30pm

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SEHAM ABU AWWAD, ROBI DAMELIN
BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
Israeli and Palestinian Women Resolving Conflict
Palestinian Seham Abu Awwad and Robi Damelin will tell their stories about the loss of their loved ones in the conflict and will explain why, despite the challenging political circumstances in the Middle East, they believe that it is more important than ever to work together for peace and reconciliation. In collaboration with Parents Circle Families Forum. Free event. Please book in-store, online or call 02074079316


Thurs, July 5, 2012. 3pm-5pm

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FOSTER CARE - SOUTHWARK COUNCIL
Have you ever considered becoming a Foster Carer? If you have a spare room, time, patience and the willingness to help children, come and have an informal chat with Southwark staff. If you can't make this date then please do call 020 7525 4497 and leave a message or visit this website


Current & Upcoming Workshops & Classes

Sundays, Apr 29, May 6, 20 and 27, 2012. 4pm - 6pm

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ROSEMARY FURBER
Creative Writing Workshop
Rosemary is author of novels The Most Intimate Place (for adults), What You See Is What You Get (10-14 year olds) and poetry (Sweet Seventeens). This workshop is suitable for experienced writers and beginners.



Every Sat 10am -11am

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HOWARD RICHMOND & ROBIN RUBENSTEIN
Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi exercise, Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung, Lam Tai Chi Small Circle Form... Just drop by, there's no need to book your place.
Every Saturday from 10am-11am



Sun, May 27, 2012, 11am-2pm

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NADIA AL-YAFAI
BERMONDSEY SQUARE WRITERS
Join the membership of Bermondsey Square Writers (BSW) for their monthly workshops. This will be an opportunity to meet with other writers in a relaxed and supportive environment. BSW is a members-only group, and membership is through submission of sample work. BSW continues to invite new members four times a year, and is open to ambitious, aspiring fiction writers, whether new or experienced. Cafe open as usual to all customers. If you're interested in joining this group, please write to Nadia.



Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

May 1 - May 27, 2012

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JANE COLLING
A TO Z - AN ALPHABET
Original screenprints by Jane Colling. "A to Z actually began at C, went back to A, then B and D then onwards alphabetically until I finally completed Z about a year ago; by then 26 years had miraculously passed..."

May 29 - June 24, 2012

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JOHN FOSTER
OF MIND AND HEART
This exhibit will feature works inspired by media imagery, local history and the imagination. Each piece represents a return to art in difficult times and may evoke hope or despair, agony or ecstasy, liberation or oppression, desire or frustration.

June 26 - July 8, 2012

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SONIA YEKINNI
VS
A graphic art exhibition that explores the boundaries between typography and illustration. The work is an ongoing collection of poster art and illustrations. Sonia's work responds to the influences of graphic designer Saul Bass and architect James Stirling and their individual uses of colour, space and structure.


Comments & Feedback

Here's what some of you have said about Woolfson & Tay :) Thank you!

"Thanks a lot for creating a bookshop which places itself within a community and addresses political-personal issues; it can't be easy holding together the commercial considerations which an independent bookshop has to take into account as well as offering something other and so necessary in these tough times." - Nigel Y

"This shop is adventurous and dynamic, but also cosy and homely. In other words, everything a great bookshop ought to be." - Adam Smith

“It's great being, ie feeling, part of something that is a local and new and brave (women's) venture.” - R. Ades

"...Not only is it is a wonderful space, and draws local people to the square with a constantly changing gallery, lovely homemade cakes, and interesting little presents, buts its a true community-spirited environment that involves you" - Nadia Al Yafai

"In the few short months that it's been open, this shop has made itself into a mainstay of the community... MPs surgeries, local artists and world-class events... can't imagine the square without it now!" - Vanessa Woolf-Hoyle

"Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere." - Walki Tinkanesh

"Woolfson and Tay has made a huge impact on the local landscape, providing a space for events and activities - really providing a 'centre' for the local community. ...The shop has become the place where I learn Tai Chi, drink good cappuccino, have intelligent conversation and buy endless inspirational books that I never knew of before." - Pete Wyer

"I recommend this for a wonderful welcome, a great location on a friendly square, and a fantastic selection of books." - Kristina Holt


"This bookshop is a hidden gem, people need to know about it, and I say that grudgingly because part of me does not want to share this bookshop. It is a great place, feeding the mind and spirit as well as the stomach!" - A M Goodwin

"I do not live in London but discovered W&T on a visit to a friend nearby. I was stunned at the quality of literature on sale. It is a goldmine of books worth reading and I enjoy every second of each visit. PS and they make the best coffee and cake in London!" - Sue Hulkes

"...Recently they hosted an event for a local voluntary organisation which I chair. We have used several venues in Southwark for meetings and events, and this was by far the best. We are using them again next month for our AGM." - Gaby Charing

"W&T is a dream of a place, whether you drop in to buy one of its carefully selected books or gifts, to have tea and cake or a delicious 'oriental meal in a bowl' - or whether you attend one of the many courses, drop-ins, community, literary or political events, or view the exhibitions that take place in the friendly and flexible space at the back. It has created a cultural and social focus in an area that sorely needed it. I highly recommend it!" - Irena Hill

"It's everything a bookshop should be. It's challenging with both the selection of books and exhibitions that they host. It's attractively laid out without the promo gimmicks of some other places. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I often have a morning coffee here and I'm fussy! Delightful, interesting, the sort of bookshop that one dreams about. And on my doorstep too!" - Simon Baker

"The friendliest bookshop I have ever been in, with great coffee! Lovely selection of books for all ages. A wonderful fresh and light space to sit and relax in." - Elizabeth Bentley

"Our charity recently held an exhibition at Woolfson & Tay of a selection of images focusing on prisoners of conscience in Zimbabwe. ...We fully intend to hold similar exhibitions in the future now that we have found such an excellent space to do so. On a more personal level, I find it very easy to while away the hours browsing through their inspiring selection of books as well as enjoying their delicious "lunch in a bowl" every now and then. Woolfson & Tay are a fantastic addition to our local neighbourhood." - Lynn Carter

View our full profile in the FreeIndex Books Directory directory.

Welcome to W&T! Bermondsey's Local Indie Bookshop
Meander through our shop via this 1 min 50 sec video.
Even Matzo the dog gets a spot :) Music: Kevin MacLeod

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How much is that doggy in the window? Matzo looking wistful
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Winter hustle and bustle
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Cafe-within-gallery - a contemplative space
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Avi Shlaim
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Elif Shafak, Sarah Blake, Naomi Alexander
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Jon Snow and Jude Cowan
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Niki Segnit - The Flavour Thesaurus
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Polly Toynbee
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Facepainting - Halloween
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Shira Geffen, Rabai Al-Madhoun, Martyn S. Harris
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Homemade Asian lunch on weekdays
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Young poet at Southwark Speaks event
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Michael Foley
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Tim Butcher
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Holocaust Memorial Day
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Open Mic Poetry sessions: Anti-Poet
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Jillian Edelstein's Truth & Lies Exhibition
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Joshua E.S. Phillips

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Survey - Tell Us What You Think

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We'd like to know more about you, especially if you're a local resident or often frequent the area. Tell us in our survey!
And many thanks if you decide to share :)

PS. If you'd like to give us feedback, please email us rather than fill in the survey. Or if you need a reply/feedback urgently, please call us on 02074079316. Thank you.


ARE YOU A SOUTHWARK LIBRARY MEMBER?
IF NOT, WHY NOT JOIN YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY?
W&T is proud to support Southwark Libraries and promote reading
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Recommended Accommodation

Visiting Bermondsey and Southbank? W&T recommends the following locations
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Radio Gorgeous 101.4FM

Author Fanny Blake|Artist:Melanie Wilson|Ethical Fashion: Amisha Ghadiali |Life stories:Woolfson&Tay by Radio_Gorgeous on Mixcloud

W&T segment from
0:00:55 to 0:20:45

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W&T in HOT 50 in TimeOut London's Best Shops 2012

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W&T in ES Magazine
Evening Standard March 2012

_Opening Hours
Mon-Sat    11am-7pm
Sun          11am-5pm

Location & address
13 Bermondsey Square
London SE1 3UN
For location map, click here

Contact details
T: 02074079316
E: info@woolfsonandtay.com

Nearest tube
Borough or London Bridge, on Jubilee or Northern Lines, about 12 minutes walk

Bus routes
78, 42, 188 (direct to square) or all routes to London Bridge


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Click on calendar above to see what's happening every month

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W&T shortlisted for Independent Bookshop of the Year for 2011 and 2012
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SOME QUOTES
"Imagine your dream bookshop... This is it." - ES Magazine, Evening Standard, 2 March 2012

"Woolfson & Tay... feels like the model of a modern independent bookshop." Josh Lacey, author

"This independent bookshop sits perfectly on Bermondsey Square, offering all the latest reads and imaginatory feasts - all whilst promoting community spirit." - London City Guide

"A divine bookshop, café and writers’ venue on Bermondsey Square in south London... Woolfson & Tay have made the idea of books, as objects, seem wonderfully exciting again." - Barra Bromley, writer

"W&T is an essential literary hub if you’re local to the area, and well worth a trip if you’re not." - Sally Skinner, novelist-in-training

"Woolfson & Tay is what all bookshops should be - warm, inviting and thoroughly immersed in its community." - Michael Richmond, author

The W&T Team
and the books we love
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NOMINATE W&T
Please leave a comment in support of W&T and help us win a chance to host a Telegraph Book Club Tour literary event!
The best comment wins £25 in National Book Tokens every month.
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE W&T

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OF WHAT'S ON AT W&T
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Woof :)
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Hi! I'm Matzo the Shop Dog
I'm friendly and love attention
PS. We're dog friendly

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W&T Is Proud
To Be Indie
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EVENTS - BY CATEGORY
  • AUTHOR EVENTS
  • WRITING WORKSHOPS
  • EXHIBITIONS
  • TALKS & PERFORMANCES
  • WELLBEING: MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

PAST EVENTS AT W&T
Photos and events round-up on our blog. Click to read...
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Actress Janet Suzman

CALLING ALL WRITERS!
GROUP MEETS EVERY LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
12NN - 3PM. FEE: £3
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Book Trade News

© Woolfson & Tay LLP. Registered in England OC353755. VAT 9913302223. 13 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN. Tel: 0207 407 9316