The Main Street Trading Co, St Boswells

The Main Street Trading Co. - St Boswells (website here)

'a bookshop so perfect you might have dreamt it' - maggie o'farrell

Hello everyone! Before I begin, I'd just like to dedicate this post to my wonderfully inspiring Uncle who passed away peacefully in his sleep a few days ago. As devastated and hurt as I am, I'm so unbelievably proud of him for his continued strength and his admirable manner. I'm also relieved that he didn't have to experience too much pain at the hands of his cancer. He passed peacefully, a pretty good way to go. Never will he stop inspiring me to be a better person and to live each day as if it were my last. This little bookshop was recommended to me by him and my aunt so I thought it was fitting that I discuss it with you following his passing. 

As I literally just said, my Aunt and Uncle told me about this pretty little bookshop in a local town that they thought I, ever the bookworm, may take a shine to. Curious and stupidly excited in equal measure, my Aunt very kindly dropped Luke and I off for a couple of hours to peruse the store at our leisure. Boy, were we not disappointed! I cannot explain to you just how amazing this place really is but if I'm pretty sure that this is what my idea of heaven is like. Cake, books, smiles and pastel colours aplenty! It's really no wonder that they've won several awards, including the Telegraph Best Small Shops - Best Bookshop award 2012. 

Oozing with charm and full to the brim with a host of enticing books, I'd say it is quite possible to have a day out solely in the shop! Shelves groan with the weight of paperbacks, some complete with handwritten personal recommendations from the staff who work there, whilst bellies groan at the delicious array of homemade cakes. Naturally, I opted for the chocolatey option and instantly felt as if I were drowning in a sugary sea (a pretty good way to drown, if you ask me!). The sandwiches that we opted for, the local smoked salmon and parsley pesto option, were also pretty darn lovely! Whilst you're there, you can read the books in the shop at your leisure or peruse the numerous gifts that adorn the cabinets around the café area. Luke and I were particularly taken by the children's book section, falling in love with 'Carrot Parrot' and wishing we had a child to buy it for. (Hurry up and have children Luke's brother!). Reason 4,509 as to why I fell in love with this store is down to the events that they hold there, from regular book groups to sessions with renowned authors. It really felt as if a sense of community was shaped in those four walls and that's pretty sparse to come by these days. 

I could honestly keep cooing about this store but I think I've probably scared you all enough already so I shall leave it here. All in all, if you're local to the area or happen to be visiting the Borders soon, I believe you shouldn't give this little gem a miss! If you'd like to find out more about them, why not check out the Main Street website or follow them on Twitter. 

▴

If you'd like to scroll through all of my adventures then you can do so. 

 VIVATRAMP ON BLOGLOVIN 

 TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | TUMBLR
VIVATRAMP@GMAIL.COM