On Monday 16 May, the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction will open its first-ever Pop-up Book Bar at Waterstone’s, Tottenham Court Road, London to celebrate the best writing by women and the 2016 shortlist. The Prize will host a week-long celebration of the pleasures of reading and brilliant storytelling and would like to invite you to hold your reading groups in this exclusive space.
The collaboration will see the basement bar transformed into an inspiring oasis which will combine the love of reading with the pleasure of a Baileys.
Reading group offer
For five days only, book lovers will have the chance to drop into the Baileys Prize Book Bar during the day (excluding 1-2pm on Wednesday and Friday when ticketed events will be taking place) to relax and celebrate the six fabulous novels that make up the 2016 shortlist whilst enjoying a Baileys.
As a Reading Groups for Everyone exclusive, the Prize is offering you the opportunity to use the space to host your reading group during the daytime absolutely free of charge. Should you be interested in taking up this opportunity, please contact Rakhee Shah at freuds who can provide you with further information and timings available. Rakhee can be contacted at: [email protected]
Baileys Pop-up Book Bar events
Come cocktail hour, the bar will transform into a hub for enthralling readings, discussions and stimulating panel events with some of the UK’s most inspirational women – not to mention creative cocktail making, and an exclusive DJ set.
Monday 16 May 6.30pm
Join 2015 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction winner, Ali Smith, in a one-to-one conversation with novelist & Baileys Prize co-founder, Kate Mosse. As well as reading from her novel How To Be Both, Ali will be talking about her work and writing process.
Wednesday 18 May 1-2pm
Exclusive performed readings from each of the 2016 shortlisted novels read by actors Tori Allen-Martin and Jim Rastall – a perfect treat for your lunch hour!
Wednesday 18 May 6.30pm
A midweek cocktail mix-up is on the menu at the Baileys Prize Book Bar. Try your hand at creating the most indulgent and impressive Baileys cocktails and learn brilliant tricks of the trade from an expert mixologist at our fun cocktail workshop.
Thursday 19 May 6.30pm
Come and hear an exceptional panel of business women – including this year’s Chair of Judges Margaret Mountford, literary agent Felicity Blunt, and Siobhan Moriarty from Diageo’s Executive Committee – talk about the books that have inspired them in their working lives.
Friday 20 May 1-2pm
Exclusive performed readings from each of the 2016 shortlisted novels read by actors Tori Allen-Martin and Jim Rastall – a perfect treat for your lunch hour!
Friday 20 May 6.30pm
To bring the week to a close in style, visitors on the final evening will be treated to a special event with Eimear McBride, 2014 Baileys Prize winner for her debut novel, A Girl is a Half-formed Thing. She will be discussing her writing, taking questions from the audience and attendees will also be treated to an exclusive reading from her new novel, The Lesser Bohemians. The event will be the rousing curtain-raiser to an evening of celebratory weekend cocktails and a DJ set inspired by storytelling, all providing the perfect soundtrack to start the weekend.
Get involved
Tickets for all events are £6 per person and the price includes a delicious Baileys Flat White Martini, or a coffee and Baileys. Over 18s only. Click here to purchase tickets.
Let us know if you’re going to any of the Book Bar events using #BaileysPrize.
Keep up with the latest news on the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction website and join in the conversation and share your pictures on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
