Bookish Supper Club #1

Hello! I'm relaunching this group to host bookish nights out where we gather in a lovely café or restaurant to discuss our latest reads and gather recommendations we won't want to miss.

What are you reading? What are you re-reading? What should we all read next? Which book did you love (or loathe)? What did you read fast or which one took ages?

I love nothing better than talking about the books I'm reading with others - most likely a habit after years of working in publishing - and I'd really like to meet others from around the city who are the same. Is that you?

This will be a social occasion for all book lovers but we'll need some questions to help guide our conversation like the above but also -

Which book gave you the biggest feels?
Which book shocked you the most?
Which book gave you the worst hangover?
Who are you favourite book bloggers or podcasters?

I wonder if you'd like to talk a bit about books that are popular right now on socials or in bookshops and what we think are some of the hottest trends and why. It doesn't always make sense, right?

We could also talk about which classic/modern classic novels you've enjoyed but never expected to, or a classic that you'd like to read but have feared the attempt. Please do bring your own questions for everyone too.

Would it be useful to include...a book swap? Could we all bring a book we loved but won't read again to exchange with another at the end of the evening. Perhaps we'll ask you to tell us a bit about the book and why you liked it but also why you won't read it again.

Sound good? It will be a little awkward to meet strangers in this way but I'm confident that if you gather together with others who love to read to talk about books, time flies! I hope you'll consider coming along.

If this session works I'd like to host at least one every few months, if not more often.

Questions: Please post a comment below or DM me if you're unsure if this event is for you.

Date: Tuesday, June 3rd from 7pm.

Timing: meet for 7pm at the restaurant, order our food, converse over dinner/coffee and we'll be finished by 9ish but we may want to stay on. I'll be there from 6:45pm to meet everyone at our table.

Cost: It takes time to organise these nights and so I'm asking for £10 as a deposit on your seat. These groups will be small to start I expect and so I need to know that seats will be taken by those who really want to join in. I fear organising then being the only one to show up!
I'll use the monies towards the final bill on the night. Everyone will need to pay for their own food and drink on the night and please don't come along if you don't plan to eat with us as that will spoil the mood. I'm planning for a small group of 6-8 ideally.

Location: I've chosen the Fig & Olive in Islington because it does a wide-ranging menu and it's not too expensive. Islington is connected by many tube lines and it's a good place for us to start. We may explore other locations in the future. Address: 151 Upper Street Angel Islington, London N1 1RA.