New venture to combine wine, coffee and books
A new hospitality outlet is to open in Liverpool city region described as a ‘perfect blend’ of a wine bar, a bookshop and a coffee lounge. Andrew Brown reports
A new venture described as a “perfect blend” of a wine bar, a bookshop and a coffee lounge is preparing to write a new chapter on Lord Street in Southport.
Wine & Words by Watson will open next to Connards Jewellers on the tree lined boulevard. It promises to be a place where people can sit back either inside or outside and watch the world go by as they enjoy a good book and a glass of wine or coffee.
For anyone feeling hungry, a selection of cheese and charcuterie will be on offer too.
This new business is the realisation of a dream by local teacher James Watson, who has been a popular figure at Norwood Primary School in Southport for the past 14 years before leaving at Easter.
The former scout leader grew up in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland before moving to Southport. He has also spent many years working in hospitality, both in Scotland and Southport, including Lang’s Wine Bar in Churchtown Village and The Office on Hoghton Street.
James has a degree in mathematics, astronomy and planetary sciences and hospitality management, so is the right person to ensure Wine & Words by Watson offers an experience that is out of this world.
Last year the dad-of-three married Portia, a fellow teacher at Norwood Primary School. James said: “Opening Wine & Words by Watson has long been a dream of mine! I am so excited to begin this new chapter.
“It will have books, it will have wine, it will have coffee – I love all three. I love to read. I love instilling the joy of reading in others. I want to create a special place where you can come and absorb all that a bookshop has to offer. It will be a wondrous place.
“Everything is going through at the moment and, all being well, we would love to be open in time for the half term holidays at the end of May. I’m trying my best. I’ve been busy ordering all the equipment and everything else needed, I can’t wait to open.
“I have been running the idea behind Wine & Words by Watson past people in school. It has had a really positive reaction.
“It was very emotional leaving Norwood. It’s such a beautiful school and I’ve loved working with the children and the teaching staff there. They gave me a lovely send-off.
“The concept is a wine and coffee lounge which also incorporates a bookshop.
The bookshelves will be situated around the establishment. This is a really beautiful old building, with high ceilings, which we will make the most of.
“We really will be able to showcase all the books, wine and coffee we have on sale.
“I hope to have superb artwork on the wall, maybe even by local artists. We have lots of very talented creatives in Southport. On sale will be books related to many things, including wine, coffee, cheese, Southport, and Scotland.”
James says his aim is to complement other bookshops already in Southport. He adds it was a shame that Broadhurst’s bookshop closed last year.
“Wine & Words by Watson will be a very relaxing place to be,” he said. “A place to come with friends and socialise as well as somewhere people feel comfortable on their own. A place to pull up a chair and have a great time.
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“I will be here seven days a week when we first open. A high quality of service and a warm welcome will be very important. There is nothing worse than somewhere with a great environment but terrible service.
“My daughter, Emily, has taken after me in the hospitality industry and so I will be calling on her to lend a hand from time to time.”
This new outlet will cater for different dietary requirements, such as gluten free. James’s wife has coeliac disease so they know very well the importance of having choices for people when they go out.