The new Hastings shop forced to close just four days after opening

Charlie Crabb opened The Hastings Bookshop, in Trinity Street, on Sunday (November 1) just a few hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a four-week lockdown for England.

Despite the imminent closure, Charlie decided to push ahead with the opening of his new independent business and hopes the second lockdown will see a similar spike in demand for books that was seen during the first lockdown in the spring.

Charlie said: "In these uncertain times, books can offer a much-needed escape from reality. The Hastings Bookshop believes that the community in Hastings is crying out for a new independent bookshop, which can become a cultural hotspot for our amazing town.

"Being a bookshop, we will mostly be selling books, and there will be something on offer for everyone.

"All the books we stock are hand selected by our experienced booksellers and you can expect to see interesting new and classic titles across the genres; fiction, poetry, politics, art, music, philosophy, children’s, cookery and more.

"As well as books, The Hastings Bookshop will also stock magazines and journals, greetings cards (stocked from local artists and arts charities), sustainable wrapping paper, stationery, and more."

Closed to customers since yesterday (November 4), under the Government's latest Covid-19 measures, The Hastings Bookshop will be providing a delivery and collection service between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday and between 11am and 4pm on Saturdays.

Customers can place orders over the phone (01424 905410), by email ([email protected]) or by direct messaging The Hastings Bookshop on Instagram and arrange a contactless collection from the shop.

Those living in Hastings or St Leonards can arrange a delivery with orders over £15.

Beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, Charlie has plans to expand the business which include plans for community events including readings, book launches, poetry nights and children's art club, which would take place the basement space beneath the shop.

A new website for The Hastings Bookshop will be launched soon.