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| A new independent book shop has opened in Ipswich, Dial Lane Books Photo: CHARLOTTE BOND |
After months of anticipation, Dial Lane Books has
opened its doors to customers. The cosy and characterful shop - which is
now Ipswich's only independent bookshop - officially had its ribbon cut
at a launch party on Friday, February 28, which saw a large crowd
gather to celebrate the opening.
"You just
couldn't move for people on Friday night," said shop owner Andrew Marsh.
"We had about 100 people in the shop, in total. I wasn't really too
sure what I was going to say in my speech, but when I saw the crowd of
people gathered around as the Mayor cut the ribbon then suddenly, all
the words just came out. It's the culmination of a life-long dream and
it's really just gone fantastically well."
Following on from the launch party, Dial Lane Books had its first full day of trading on Tuesday, March 3, welcoming a steady stream of customers into the shop over the course of the day. There's something for readers of all ages and interests on the shelves, with sections devoted to art and photography, travel guides, cookery, politics and fiction...
"There's a lot of work that's gone into the shop,
not just from myself but from local artists, designers, and friends and
family who have supported me along the way," says Andrew. Walking into
Dial Lane Books, it's clear that there's a strong artistic influence in
the shop, from the black and white mural that adorns the back room, to
the pretty stained-glass window that sits above the shop door.
The
shop itself will be open from Tuesdays through to Saturday, from 9.30am
to 4.30pm. It will be closed on Sundays and Mondays.
