Wirral café saves bookshop from closure

Oxton Village Bookshop which was originally located in Williamson Art Gallery and Museum has relocated to Nettle Café on Cleveland Street in Birkenhead.

The bookshop was based in gallery for nine years until it was recently closed following a change of management.

Bookshelf being moved from Williamson Art Gallery and Musuem (Image: Julia Strelczuk)

In December 2023 the new Williamson management was appointed and as part of a new artistic policy the decision to close the Oxton Bookshop was made.

Moira Young, the owner of Oxton Village Bookshop, said she was “devastated” by the decision but was “determined to find somewhere new to house the bookshop asset”.

The bookshop’s new home Nettle Café is nestled within Make Hamilton on Cleveland Street off Hamilton Square and has become a destination not just for coffee and lunch but also as a hub for the community.

Oxton Booshop in Nettle Cafe (Image: Julia Strelczuk)

Julia Strelczuk, Nettle Cafe’s owner, said: “I'm thrilled to bring Nettle to the community and provide a space for people to enjoy quality food and drink while supporting their well-being.

“We are honoured to keep Oxton Bookshop alive and feel privileged to continue Moira's legacy. The collection of second hand books is impressive, ranging from hidden gems to all-time classics."

The bookshop will be opened to the public on Saturday, February 17 at 3pm where there will be an afternoon of music, poetry, comedy and talks to celebrate its launch.