A new venue which combines wine, books and coffee is opening soon in Southport

An exciting new venture which is the perfect blend of a wine bar, a bookshop and a coffee lounge is preparing to write a new chapter on Lord Street in Southport.

Wine & Words by Watson will open next to Connards Jewellers on the iconic tree lined boulevard.

It promises to be the perfect place where people can sit back either inside or outside and watch the world go by as they enjoy a good book and a glass of wine or coffee. For anyone feeling hungry, a fine selection of cheese and charcuterie will be on offer too.

The new business is the realisation of a dream by local teacher James Watson, who has been a popular figure at Norwood Primary School in Southport for the past 14 years before leaving at Easter.

The former Scout Leader grew up in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland before moving to Southport. He has also spent many years working in hospitality, both in Scotland and here in Southport, with Lang’s Wine Bar in Churchtown Village and The Office on Hoghton Street being just a few.

Wine & Words — Credit: Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport

The 54-year-old has a degree in Mathematics, Astronomy and Planetary Sciences and Hospitality Management, so is the right person to ensure Wine & Words by Watson offers an experience that is out of this world.

Last year the dad-of-three married Portia, a fellow teacher at Norwood Primary School.

James said:

“Opening Wine & Words by Watson has long been a dream of mine! I am so excited to begin this new chapter. It will have books, it will have wine, it will have coffee – I love all three! I love to read. I love instilling the joy of reading in others. I want to create a special place where you can come and absorb all that a bookshop has to offer. It will be a wondrous place.

“Everything is going through at the moment and, all being well, we would love to be open in time for the half term holidays at the end of May. I’m trying my best. I’ve been busy ordering all the equipment and everything else needed, I can’t wait to open. I have been running the idea behind Wine & Words by Watson past people in school. It’s had a really positive reaction. It was very emotional leaving Norwood! It’s such a beautiful school and I’ve loved working with the children and the teaching staff there. They gave me a lovely send-off.

“The concept is a wine and coffee lounge which also incorporates a bookshop.”

The bookshelves will be situated around the establishment. This is a really beautiful old building, with high ceilings, which we will make the most of.

“We really will be able to showcase all the books, wine and coffee we have on sale. I hope to have superb artwork on the wall, maybe even by local artists. We have lots of very talented creatives in Southport. On sale will be books related to many things, including wine, coffee, cheese, Southport, and Scotland. We want to complement other bookshops already in Southport. It’s such a shame Broadhurst’s bookshop closed last year, I wish that it was still open too.

“Wine & Words by Watson will be a very relaxing place to be. A place to come with friends and socialise as well as somewhere people feel comfortable on their own. A place to pull up a chair and have a great time! I will be here seven days a week when we first open. A high quality of service and a warm welcome will be very important. There is nothing worse than somewhere with a great environment but terrible service. My daughter, Emily, has taken after me in the hospitality industry and so I will be calling on her to lend a hand from time to time.

“The team at Fitton Estates have been very supportive in trying to get everything done. I have got a great local joiner lined up, as well as a great plumber; a great electrician; we are all ready to go. I have been busy speaking with suppliers. My sister, Karen Latto, owns a bookshop and coffee shop in Rothesay in Scotland which she has run for the past 30 years. She has been incredibly supportive in helping me to source the right books and contacts.

“I have been very impressed by our supplier Crosby Coffee – their coffee is fantastic. The fact they bring out a different special every few months is superb. I am looking at different wine suppliers. I am keen to find someone who can supply wines that are different to ones you’ll find in other places in Southport. As a business, you need to find your own footprint.”

Customers will also be able to enjoy something delicious to eat.

James said: “We will have menus printed on large ‘bookmarks’ – you will be able to order cheese from one, charcuterie from another, chutneys and accompaniments from another, and create your perfect combination. We will aim to match the perfect wine to complement them. We will be offering freshly baked pastries too. There will be other drinks available for the discerning customer – they will be different to what’s on offer elsewhere too, something a bit special.

“We will cater for different dietary requirements, such as gluten free, which is really important. My wife has Coeliac Disease so we know very well the importance of having choices for people when they go out. It’s something people are becoming more and more aware of.”

People in Southport will soon be able to call in and enjoy this new haven for bibliophiles and oenophiles alike.