Books on the Hill St Albans

01/10/2026

October has arrived at Books on the Hill, and there’s rather a lot happening. 🍂📚

From earlymorning writing and Sunday bookish conversations to poetry, classics, horror, craft, cheese and w**e, there’s something for all sorts of readers and plenty of reasons to come and spend some time with us this month.

October at Books on the Hill:

📚 4 Oct Breakfast Book Club
✍️ 7 Oct 6AM Writing Club (sold out)
📖 7 Oct Michael King: Benjamin Zephaniah
🧀 8 Oct Cheese & B**r Tasting with Ned Palmer
🧶 13 Oct Sit & Stitch
🕯️ 14 Oct Get Into Reading: Horror with Oliver Bolland
📖 18 Oct Text Book Club: Cosmos by Lucia Odoom
📚 21 Oct Michael King: Recitatif by Toni Morrison
🍷 28 Oct Chapters & Grapes: Perfume by Patrick Süskind at Baruccio’s
📕 29 Oct Classics Book Club: Passing by Nella Larsen

Whether you’re looking for a new book, a new conversation, or simply a reason to come through our doors, we’d love to see you.

Tickets and further details are available via the link in our bio, and in the shop.

BookClubs IndependentBookshop LiteraryEvents

28/09/2026

Here’s what our booksellers have been reading, keep swiping to take a look📚.

If you’re looking for your next read then here’s some inspiration. Head to our website if you see anything that intrigues you ☺️.

26/09/2026

Have you heard that we have introduced a brand new monthly book club in collaboration with Baruccio, our wonderful Holywell Hill neighbours?

We cannot wait for the inaugural Chapters and Grapes Book Club, which will be taking place on the evening of Wednesday 28th October, between 7 and 9pm.

So what is Chapters and Grapes? It is the combination of two of life’s greatest pleasures: literature and w**e in the form of a collaborative book club that merges thoughtful literary discussion with insightful and creative drinks pairings.

Hosted at Baruccio on the evening of the fourth Wednesday of each month, each session will involve the discussion of a fascinating text (this could be a classic novel, a quirky hidden gem, or a beautiful piece of travel writing), pairing the book with a range of w**es that have been carefully selected to match the atmosphere, setting or even a certain scene within the story.

At the heart of the evening is a bespoke w**e pairing experience curated by Gabriele, owner of Baruccio and a trained sommelier with a lifelong love of books. Guests will be invited to explore the fascinating connection between literature and w**e, discovering how a thoughtfully chosen glass can enhance the atmosphere of a scene, enrich discussion, and bring a story vividly to life. Snacks will also be provided.

For the inaugural session, we will be discussing ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’ by Patrick Süskind, a masterpiece of twentieth century fiction that explores obsession, sensuality, fragrance and immortality.

The streets of eighteenth-century Paris are brought to life in this twisty and unique piece of fiction that is sure to shock, delight and horrify. With its limitless options for w**e pairings, we think that Perfume makes for the perfect selection for the first iteration of this event.

To book your tickets, please pop into the shop or head to the Events page of our website.

**e

23/09/2026

21/09/2026

We’re so pleased to introduce a new monthly gathering at Books on the Hill: Sit & Stitch. 🧶

On the second Tuesday evening of each month, we’ll open the doors to our Reading Rooms and invite you to bring along whatever you’re working on, knitting, crochet, embroidery, or any other yarn type handiwork. Come spend a couple of unhurried hours stitching alongside fellow crafters.

Making things in company: a little conversation, a little concentration, and the simple pleasure of being together. We’ll provide hot drinks and biscuits; you bring your project, we’ll bring ours.

Our first evening will be Tuesday 13 October, 6–8pm. 🗓️ Book your tickets on line or in store. Please help us spread the word.

felting

21/09/2026

Join us Wednesday 7th October for an afternoon with lecturer Michael King for a discussion on the works of Benjamin Zephaniah.

Writer, dub poet, actor, musician and professor, Zephaniah is one of Britains most beloved poets and Michael will be providing an insightful exploration into his political yet accessible rhymes.

Tickets are available online or in the shop and tea and biscuits will be provided throughout the event!

We look forward to seeing you there.

21/09/2026

September Classics Book Club 📚

We’re delighted that our September Classics Book Club is completely sold out and even more delighted that we’ll be spending the evening in Sicily with Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s The Leopard.

A fading aristocracy, revolution, family, desire, beautiful houses and the inevitable march of time… quite a lot to discuss over a hot drink.

We can’t wait to hear what everyone makes of this extraordinary modern classic.

Thursday 24 September · 7–8pm
🐆 The Leopard · Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

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October Classics Book Club: Passing by Nella Larsen

Thursday, October 29, 2026
7:00 PM 8:00 PM please book early.

15/09/2026

We had the best evening supporting The Serge Hill Project - Gardens That Can Save The World with Lottie Delamain, Kali Hamerton-Stove and Sue Stuart-Smith.

Highly recommend visiting The Serge Hill Project and do look at their upcoming events listed on their website. It’s such a special place.