Grocery store Booths is known for many things, including championing local producers. But did you know its store in Wainwright’s Yard Kendal includes a tiny bookstore full of Cumbrian based writers delving into all manner of topics, from fact to fiction and aimed at all ages?

Two are winners of the Lakeland Book of the Year. From 2019, there’s Alan Cleaver and Lesley Park’s The Corpse Roads of Cumbria, a guide to walks along the county’s ancient paths. And from 2020, The Lake District in 101 Maps and Infographics by David Felton, Evelyn Sinclair and Andrew Chapman. The book is described by head judge Hunter Davies as “…incredible” featuring
graphs, images and more covering almost every aspect of the Lake District’s culture and history, from tourism to ghosts.

In Life on the Mountains, a hardback book of 144 pages, Terry Abraham presents more than 100 exclusive photos from a decade on the fells and speaks candidly about his troubled early life, a disowned father, depression, and his love of real ale. He also reveals the tricks and techniques of his craft and details the landscapes he’s grown to love.

For younger readers, there’s Felltarn Friends Lake District Adventures written by two busy mums who met on the school run. Through creature characters, Claire Jane Mansfield and Amy Onyango 96-page book, packed with puzzles, games, facts and fun places to visit, aims to help little ones learn more about the Lakes.

You’ll also find two novels by a twice winner of the Lakeland Book of the Year, (2018 and 2016), Karen Lloyd in the Booths Wainwright’s Yard store book section. In The Blackbird Diaries, told over the four seasons, Karen intimately chronicles the drama of the natural world as it unfolds in her garden and in the limestone hills and valleys of South Lakeland. Whilst in The Gathering Tide, Karen tells the stories of the places, people, wildlife and history of Morecambe Bay.

Fans of Booths will also know of two books they produce. There’s The Story of Booths (1847-2008), which delves into the hidden archives of one of the region’s oldest and best-loved retailers, charting the rise of this family-owned company. Written by Frank Bamford, the book provides a real insight into 19th century Lancashire and reveals the dynamics of the Booths’ family. It includes many rare photographs and personal correspondence between family members.

And, each year, Booths produce a beautiful hard-backed book, Christmas at Booths. A glossy romp through all the food, drink and gifts you can order to complete your Christmas. Call into their Kendal store to claim your free copy.