I honestly do not think I will be standing here tonight were it not for independent bookshops when I was first published back in 1981. It was the enthusiasm of independent booksellers handselling my books to readers. It helped me get my foot onto the very first rung of the ladder, for which I will forever be grateful.
--Author Peter James, presenting the Indie Bookshop of the Year winner at the British Book Awards
More than 1,000 people from the book industry gathered on Monday, May 11, "to celebrate all things books and the people who make them" at the British Book Awards 2026 (the Nibbies) ceremony in London's Grosvenor House Hotel, the Bookseller reported, adding: "From the booksellers to the librarians, the trade publishers to the indie presses, the awards recognize every person with a passion for their product that goes way, way beyond the requirements of their role."
You can check out the list of winners in the books and book trade categories online, but my bookseller DNA is equipped with a compass that always points me in the direction of four specific categories: Independent Bookshop of the Year, Children's Bookseller of the Year, Individual Bookseller of the Year, and Book Retailer of the Year. Here's a bit more about the overall winners:
Independent Bookshop of the Year
Book Lovers Bookshop in Edinburgh, Scotland, was chosen out of eight other regional and country winners to win £5,000 (about $6,745) from sponsor Gardners. Tom Tivnan, deputy editor of the Bookseller, said that past champions in the category "have been trailblazers but, as the first-ever specialist romance bookstore in the U.K. and Ireland, our 2026 winner Book Lovers Bookshop has raised a high bar up a notch. Owner Caden Armstrong epitomizes the canny modern booksellers who are flooding into the indie game--the starting point is a passion for books, but with that comes a nimble entrepreneurship and steely-eyed business plan."
The judges noted that the shop has "such an affecting story. It has a very clear focus, ambition and identity and has quickly made its mark."
Accepting the award, Armstrong said: "We only opened a year and a half ago, and when I opened the shop I did it because I wanted to create a space for romance books, readers and authors to be celebrated. I never imagined we would end up here."
In an Instagram post, Armstrong wrote, in part: "We had the most magical day yesterday.... This award isn't just for our bookshop, this award is for romance publishing and all of the wonderful people that make our industry so beautiful and bright. Congratulations to all bookshops shortlisted and longlisted for this year's awards. It been an honour to be among you. You all inspire us daily!"
Children's Bookseller of the Year
Griffin Books in Penarth, Wales, doubled its footprint in the last year, taking a risk in the current climate, the Bookseller reported. The judges said: "Griffin took a risk in expanding but it's paid off. Its ambition, performance and commitment are extremely impressive."
Accepting the award, Griffin Books noted: "Wow. You can tell we weren't quite expecting that. This time last year, we were a very small bookshop with a tiny children's end of the bookshop, but we had the amazing opportunity to expand and create a dedicated children's and teenage section. I want to pay tribute to the people who've really made that happen."
The bookseller later reflected on the heady experience in an Instagram post: "Griffin Books--U.K. Children's Bookseller of the Year! That sounds pretty good to me. This award is particularly special as it is almost exactly one year to the date that we opened our new bigger Children's and Teen department! We were up for two awards at last night's British Book Awards and though we didn't take home Indie Bookshop of the Year (this accolade went to the brilliant @bookloversbookshop), we did pick up Children's Bookseller of the Year--and we couldn't be happier!"
Individual Bookseller of the Year
Chrissy Ryan, founder of BookBar in London, "has turned a bookshop into a more social space, opened its second location in Chelsea in London in 2025, and has grown in popularity since. With her BookBar concept, Chrissy Ryan has hit on a unique and compelling formula that is reimagining what bookshops can do for people," the Bookseller noted.
"Wow, I know what I would have done if I had been there on the night, and that is burst into tears and not be able to speak," Ryan said in a pre-recorded acceptance video.
Book Retailer of the Year
Waterstones took the title for the second year in a row, with the judges saying: "While Waterstones is a chain, it makes every branch feel like an independent bookseller. The passion for books shines through."
Accepting the award, Waterstones said: "We are incredibly proud of our 3,000 booksellers, who champion books to readers up and down the land. The importance of physical books and human connection has never been more apparent. We're enormously grateful for support from across the industry, from so many people in this room and beyond."
The community spirit in the room was aptly summed up by Nibbies North England regional winner Truman Books, which posted: "We might not be bringing a British Book award back to Farsley... this time... but we’re super proud to have been recognized as one of the top nine independent bookshops in the country.... It's a joy to be part of such a lovely industry and to run a community focused indie bookshop.... Indie bookshops are a force for good in the world; they are places of inspiration, connection, resilience and resistance, and also comfort and solace. And we love that this is recognized. What a wonderful night."