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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

  • Laughlines open-mic comedy - August
    Laughlines open-mic comedy - August
    Aug 28, 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 Abbie Murphy ( ☆☆☆☆) with headline act TBC "Probably the cheapest night out in London" (said someone once).
  • TESTING GROUND - open mic poetry and performance
    TESTING GROUND - open mic poetry and performance
    Sep 02, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    After a summer break, join us for September's night of open-mic poetry and music from the team behind 'Off The Chest' Featuring headline Rick McLean
  • Check Meet
    Check Meet
    Thu, Sep 03
    Bàrd Books
    Sep 03, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    NEW monthly drop-in chess night with your host Giorgio
  • Bàrd Socials
    Bàrd Socials
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Sep 04
    Bàrd Books
    Sep 04, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Join us the first Friday of every month for late night opening with cocktails, snacks, great tunes and some bookish (or not bookish) chat - your choice
  • The Loosely Bookish Pub Quiz - September
    The Loosely Bookish Pub Quiz - September
    Sep 08, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Yet another edition of the Loosely Bookish Pub Quiz. Respect to be gained. Prizes to be won.
  • Meet the Bàrd - Wojtek van Portek
    Meet the Bàrd - Wojtek van Portek
    Sep 09, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Some of you might recognise Wojtek as a Bàrd and Roman Road local. But did you know he'd written a cookbook?
  • New & Noteworthy Book Club - September
    New & Noteworthy Book Club - September
    Sep 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Dissect the discourse. An incisive look at the most talked-about novels of the moment. Examining not just the works themselves, but the conversations, controversies, and critiques they spark. With Barry
  • Meet the Bàrd - Ryan Schulte + Peter Scalpello + Friends
    Meet the Bàrd - Ryan Schulte + Peter Scalpello + Friends
    Sep 11, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Join Ryan Schulte, Peter Scalpello, and Friends for a night of poetry and prose to celebrate their new books out this year from Queer Indie Presses.
  • Bard Debuts - September 2026
    Bard Debuts - September 2026
    Wed, Sep 16
    Sep 16, 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.
  • A Bàrd Salon
    A Bàrd Salon
    Wed, Sep 30
    St Barnabas Church
    Sep 30, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
    St Barnabas Church, E3 5TG
    Join comedian Joe Haddad, poets Haia Mohammed and Sarona Abuaker as well as authors Elias Jahshan, Ibtisam Azem and Amy Abdelnoor for a celebration of Palestinian literature and culture at St Barnabas Church, Roman Road

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 

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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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