A Warwickshire-based online store will open ‘the biggest independent romance bookshop in Europe’ at a former Leamington town centre nightclub on Valentine’s Day tomorrow (Saturday February 14).

The Spicy Librarian, which specialises in selling romance novels published by independent authors, has had the former site of Altoria, at 45 Warwick Street, renovated ready for its grand opening events over the weekend.

The shop will also include a bar and café and will host regular book club and author book signing events.

The Spicy Librarian’s Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/thespicylibrarianuk/ has more than 13,000 followers and the shop has recently launched a podcast on YouTube.

The Spicy Librarian bookshop in Leamington will open on Saturday (February 14). Picture supplied.

placeholder image — The Spicy Librarian bookshop in Leamington will open on Saturday (February 14). Picture supplied.

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.”