Dial Lane Books to open book pop up in 1940s Blitz Cafe

Dial Lane Books owner Andrew Marsh will begin moving furniture from a previous pop-up store in Manningtree, Essex, to St Peter's Street on Saturday. 

The new book store will replace the former 1940s Blitz Tea Room, and be in place until the new year. 

Dial Lane Books first opened in Ipswich in 2020 (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Having opened three-and-a-half-years ago - days before the first lockdown - the second Dial Lane Books store in Ipswich will be specifically for children's literature.

"I have had the shop for three-and-a-half-years now but kids books have always been a big thing for me," said Andrew. 

"The pop up is just to see how things go. 

"I am moving in Saturday evening so it is going to be quite manic."

The pop-up store will be open until the new year (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Since opening in 2020, Mr Marsh has become one of the most recognisable faces in the town through his bookshop. 

Despite the challenges faced after opening just before Covid hit, Dial Lane Books has been nominated for numerous awards.

It was nominated for Independent Bookstore of the Year in 2022, and also won a Muddy Stilettos award earlier this year.

During that time, Mr Marsh has always retained his love for children's books. 

He added: "There is definitely a need for a bookshop just for kids. 

"I think out of all the books I do in my shop, nine times out of 10 because there is so much children's fiction, the chances of me having it on the shelves is just so slim because there is so much to choose from.

"Having a dedicated kids bookshop is going to allow me to go mad with kids books really. 

"If you get kids and youngsters interested reading books from a young age, then you have got readers for life."

The new store in St Peter's Street will open on Saturday, October 7. 

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