Mewington’s Book Shoppe

You should never judge a book by its cover, and neither should you judge a shop by its storefront. Sitting on Foxton’s Main Street, Mewington’s Book Shoppe looks like an ordinary bookstore from the street, but inside you’ll find a veritable literary wonderland where surprises spring from every corner, inviting your imagination to run wild.

Founded by mother-and-daughter duo Kate and Nicola, Mewington’s occupies a sprawling 300m² space where the stories aren’t limited to the pages of the books lining the walls. It’s a bookstore quite unlike any other. The hand-stencilled floor, classical furniture, and gentle strains of piano and gramophone music set a serene tone, perfect for browsing for your next paperback. Every corner offers a surprise, from the vintage Imperial typewriter and 1920s party line phones to a Narnia-inspired wardrobe. Children’s picture books await beyond its fur coats, while the Wonderland area brings a topsy-turvy charm with its distorted chequered floor and Alice-inspired decor. Young readers can board Captain Hook’s pirate ship in Neverland, and fantasy lovers will feel right at home in Bilbo Baggins’ lounge.

The shelves are brimming with both new and pre-loved books, making browsing an adventure in itself. And if you’re in the mood for something truly serendipitous, you can even go on a blind date with someone’s ex (book) - a mystery tome wrapped in brown paper, accompanied by a coffee sachet and chocolate. It’s not just books either, you’ll also find stacks of board games, puzzles, literary gifts, and local art. Brewington’s, the soon-to-open cafe within the shop, will round out the experience with coffee, tea, and cosy spots to linger.

The name of the store is an homage to the family’s beloved cats, and fittingly, three resident felines now lounge among the shelves, ensuring there’s always a little extra ‘mew’ in the mix. Mewington’s is quite simply a book lover’s paradise in every sense of the word, where stories, cats, and a dash of magic live happily ever after.