Come inside the city’s only surviving Georgian retail premises – Reid of Liverpool

Hidden in plain sight on Mount Pleasant, just a stone’s throw from the heart of Liverpool city centre, sits Reid of Liverpool – a bookshop like no other.

Beyond its vast collection of rare and second-hand books, Reid of Liverpool has an incredible claim to history: it occupies Liverpool’s only surviving Georgian purpose-built retail premises, dating back to 1785.

Stepping into Reid of Liverpool is like walking into another era.

The building, originally designed to combine retail space with living accommodation, has stood the test of time for nearly 250 years. While the city around it has modernised, this hidden gem has retained much of its original charm, offering visitors a rare glimpse into 18th-century Liverpool.

Unlike today’s high streets lined with glass-fronted chain stores, this building is reminiscent of a time when independent traders and craftspeople sold their wares from elegant shopfronts.

Walking through its doors, you’re not just entering a bookshop – you’re stepping into a piece of the city’s living history.

Established in 1982 by Gerry and John Fitzpatrick, it’s home to over 40,000 books, covering everything from academic texts and classic literature to science fiction and rare first editions.

Whether you’re searching for a specific title or simply want to get lost among the towering shelves, it’s a true literary treasure hunt.

The shop’s name, Reid of Liverpool, is a personal nod to the Fitzpatricks’ mother, whose maiden name was Reid.

Reid of Liverpool isn’t just a place to buy books – it’s a space where history, literature, and community come together. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to offer recommendations or chat about the latest literary discoveries, and keep an eye out the resident shop cat has become a much-loved fixture, adding to the cosy ambiance.

For history enthusiasts, the experience of visiting Reid of Liverpool extends beyond the pages of its books. The very walls of this Georgian relic whisper stories of the past, standing as a proud reminder of Liverpool’s architectural heritage.

Whether you’re a dedicated book collector, a history buff, or simply looking for a quiet escape from the bustling city, this place is well worth a visit.

The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5.15pm, offering you the chance to step inside one of Liverpool’s most historic buildings and perhaps leave with a literary treasure of your own.

So next time you’re wandering through the city, take a detour onto Mount Pleasant, and go inside Liverpool’s only surviving Georgian retail premises – you never know what stories you might uncover.

Find out more on Reid of Liverpool here.

Read more features from The Guide Liverpool here.