Daunt Books to open its first independent bookshop outside of London in Saffron Walden
The new independent bookshop will be based at the former site of Chew and Osborne in King Street - Credit: Archant
A London-based independent bookseller is set to open its first branch outside of the capital in Saffron Walden later this year.
Daunt Books, who have seven shops in London, will use the name Hart’s Bookshop for its new venture after coming to an agreement with W Hart and Son, whose own bookshop closed in the town in 2007.
The new shop will be based at 26 King Street, the former site of audio specialists Chew and Osborne, which is next door to Hart’s Yard - the original birthplace of Hart’s in Saffron Walden in 1836.
Brett Wolstencroft, manager of Daunt Books in Marylebone, said: “Saffron Walden is not really our territory but after viewing the premises and experiencing the town, we realised it would make a really lovely bookshop.
“We’re pleased to be able to use the name Hart also, a name which is synonymous with books in the town, and we’re really excited about the opening.
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“We are not a chain, and will therefore be able to stock the sorts of books that local people will want, and become a part of the community.”
Mr Wolstencroft added Daunt would look locally for its staff and that he hoped Hart’s Bookshop would open by April.
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Martin Turnbull, managing director of W Hart & Son said: “I am delighted we have been able to help in the re-establishment of an independent bookseller in the heart of Saffron Walden.
“We were very sad at the closure of our bookshop in 2007, so it is very exciting to be able to witness the rebirth of a genuine bookshop.”
Harts Business Solutions will continue to operate independently from Shire Hill.
