Situated in the heart of the mind-bogglingly picture-postcard-perfect village of Alfriston in West Sussex (where Stella Gibbons wrote Cold Comfort Farm), ‘Much Ado Books’ is a literary gem of epic proportions. Named Independent Bookseller of the Year in 2007, a recent move just up the High Street has achieved the impossible end of improving on an unsurpassable original; taking in the addition of an extra floor and a beautifully-appointed barn venue which plays regular host to workshops, talks and even Christmas card writing afternoons. Also remaining intact in the move is its trademark selection of happily co-existing new and second hand books, lovingly handpicked by the owners, and featuring the likes of rare Bloomsberry first editions and a shelf of recently-reissued Barbara Pymms. The upshot feels like a series of personal recommendations from a friend of impeccable taste - the perfect antidote to the ubiquitous glut of three for two bestsellers of its rivals.

High St, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5TY, +44 (0)1323 871222, https://muchadobooks.com/index.php
bit.ly/bn2CKB

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Situated in the heart of the mind-bogglingly picture-postcard-perfect village of Alfriston in West Sussex (where Stella Gibbons wrote Cold Comfort Farm), ‘Much Ado Books’ is a literary gem of epic proportions. Named Independent Bookseller of the Year in 2007, a recent move just up the High Street has achieved the impossible end of improving on an unsurpassable original; taking in the addition of an extra floor and a beautifully-appointed barn venue which plays regular host to workshops, talks and even Christmas card writing afternoons. Also remaining intact in the move is its trademark selection of happily co-existing new and second hand books, lovingly handpicked by the owners, and featuring the likes of rare Bloomsberry first editions and a shelf of recently-reissued Barbara Pymms. The upshot feels like a series of personal recommendations from a friend of impeccable taste - the perfect antidote to the ubiquitous glut of 3 for 2 bestsellers of its rivals.

High St, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5TY
+44 (0)1323 871222 https://muchadobooks.com/index.php
Google map: bit.ly/9RrHjo

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Tucked away in one of Edinburgh's most famous streets, this culinary gem is the perfect place to escape the Festival crowds without leaving the centre of town. Situated on the upper floor of 30 Victoria Street, opposite the fabulous Bow Bar (perfect for a pre or post-dinner drink), it is easy to miss from the street which lends a visit a pleasantly "in the know" feel. Once you're in, the low vaulted loft setting is intimate, charming and very romantic; the food is imaginative, unfussy, beautifully prepared and, (the best bit) excellent value.

The Grain Store
30 Victoria St (1st Floor)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Tel: 0131 225 7635
grainstore-restaurant.co.uk
Google map: tinyurl.com/2wre6cl

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