"Biggest independent romance bookshop in Europe" to open at former Leamington nightclub site on Valentine's Day
A Warwickshire-based online store is set to open ‘the biggest independent romance bookshop in Europe’ at a former Leamington town centre nightclub on Valentine’s Day.
The Spicy Librarian, which specialises in selling romance novels published by independent authors, is currently having the site of Altoria, at 45 Warwick Street, renovated ready for the grand opening event on Saturday February 14.
The Spicy Librarian’s Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/thespicylibrarianuk/ has more than 11,000 followers and the shop is launching a new podcast on YouTube tomorrow (Thursday January 15).
The business was launched in July last year and held the successful Spicy Weekender pop-up event in Warwick in November.
In an end-of-year post on its Instagram page in December, The Spicy Librarian said: “From the moment we emerged on the scene in July 2025 we have received so much love and support. “Whether you’ve attended a book club, came to say hi at the pop up, have ordered a book from our website or engaged with us on social media you have played a part in making our dream come true. “We have worked hard over the past six months to make The Spicy Librarian a welcoming space for all lovers of romance and a celebration of indie authors.
"In 2026 that space becomes physical as we open the doors to the biggest independent romance bookshop in Europe. “2026 is going to be one hell of a year for all of us and we can’t wait.”
The next book club event being hosted by The Spicy Librarian will take place at Hart + Co in August Place, Leamington, on Tuesday January 27 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.