Stockport residents looking for a relaxed, atmospheric bookshop where they can enjoy a drink - come day or night - may be about to find their new favourite spot.

That's because Prologue, a new bookshop, cafe and bar, is opening soon in Stockport town centre's Weir Mill neighbourhood.

And there's lots to look forward to already - particularly since the team behind the shop have released new images showing what it could look like when it opens.

Prologue is being delivered by the team behind Simply Books, which was voted Independent Bookshop of the Year for the North of England at the 2025 British Book Awards.

An official opening date for Prologue will be announced within a few weeks, the team have said.

Prologue aims to 'rethink what a modern bookshop can be'.

"We've truly ripped up the bookshop rulebook to create something really special," says co-owner Ben Johns.

"We wanted to build somewhere that feels like much more than a place to just buy a book, somewhere people can spend time, discover something new, meet authors and become part of a literary community."

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The new spot will certainly live up to the book-lover's fantasy, boasting floor-to-ceiling shelves, replete with rolling ladders.

There will also be cosy reading nooks, with adjustable lighting to take you from morning working through to warmly lit evening reading sessions.

Staff will move around the shop floor a lot more, as well, with payments taken on handheld devices rather than behind a till.

Coffee will be served throughout the day, and Prologue's bar will offer literary cocktails, wines, and thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic drinks.

And it has been purpose-built to support an ambitious programme of events, too, including author talks, open mics and comedy performances.

Visitors can also expect book clubs, language classes, writing workshops, and more creative events.

The aim is to create a space for readers, writers, and creatives alike.

"This really is a new chapter for us." Ben Johns added. "When we started with an empty shell on a building site, it was tricky to know exactly what the space would look like.

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"But, we've worked really hard to create something truly special. We're so excited to welcome old customers and new ones alike."

Simply Books, owned by the same team, has already hosted authors like Ruth Jones, Jodi Picoult, Harlan Coben, Jacqueline Wilson and Oti Mabuse.

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