The shop, which launched on Saturday 7 November, not only stocks a wide range of books but also serves barista coffee, with plans to introduce wine to its refreshment list soon. Both former teachers, Wilf and Rafela renovated the former Finlay Brewer estate agents office to create the new bookshop.
"In every sense, this is a community bookshop," said Wilf. "Residents are helping us curate the stock of books, and several local authors and experts are lined up to give talks in the evenings."
“"Residents are helping us curate the stock of books, and several local authors and experts are lined up to give talks in the evenings."
Upcoming events include author Cresta Norris discussing the Bayeux Tapestry on Wednesday 18 November (£5 tickets, doors open 7pm), poet Robert Seatter celebrating the Thames journey on Thursday 3 December (£5 tickets, redeemable against his book 'River', doors open 7pm), and readings by actress Dame Harriet Walter from her book of Shakespearean monologues on Friday 11 December (£10 tickets, doors open 7pm).
The shop also provides a space for book clubs and other community groups to meet. In the new year, local bakers will offer home-made goodies to accompany tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Green Ray Books, named after a Jules Verne novel, offers a loyalty card scheme and discounts for students and book clubs, with a local delivery service.
The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30am to 6:30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Green Ray Books is located at 113 Askew Road, W12 9AS. Contact them on 020 4568 0647 or visit their website.
