WH Smith

My favourite shopping area

The area around the Clock Tower has nearly all my favourite shops: outdoor shops, bookshops, camera shops, cycle shops, healthfood shops, postcard shops – and the Albion club shop. What a shame that Holleyman & Treacher, a secondhand bookshop, is no longer in Duke Street.

Previously situated in Western Road

One store has been around for many, many years; since a trip to Western Road was a real treat for a lad taken more often to London Road. That shop is WH Smith. Before Churchill Square opened, Smith’s used to be on the northern side of Western Road where Millets is now. In more recent years there was also a short-lived branch in London Road.

Great for maps

I’ve always loved books, factual rather than fiction I’m afraid – especially maps – and Smith’s was the best, most accessible bookshop in town. Their annual sale was always something to look forward to. Other bookshops, such as Beal’s, Bredon’s and now Borders, have come and gone. Happily, Waterstone’s is still there and has a far greater selection than Smith’s has room for.

Long may they continue

But WH Smith have always been good to me. They readily stocked, promoted and sold ‘The Encyclopaedia of Brighton’ and my two co-written Albion books, and I am always happy to buy from them. Smith’s may not be as trendy as Borders was, but it’s a great source of books, maps, magazines, cards and stationery, and I still like to spend time and money there. Recent years have apparently been a struggle, but long may WH Smith continue.