1b Books
An independent bookshop in Heaton selling new and second-hand books across fiction, non-fiction, children's, YA and graphic novels. Dog-friendly, with regular book groups.
About 1b Books
1b Books is an independent bookshop on Bolingbroke Street in Heaton, opened in early 2024 by owners Mandy and Kate as a welcoming, relaxed space built around a shared love of reading. Set just around the corner from the Heaton Perk cafe and a short walk from the main bus routes, it has quickly established itself as a neighbourhood fixture, praised locally for its warm atmosphere and thoughtful recommendations. Dogs are welcome, and the shop deliberately champions genres that are often treated as niche.
It sells both new and second-hand books across fiction, non-fiction, children's, young-adult, graphic novels and queer writing, and takes National Book Tokens. Community events are central to its character: it runs a regular baby and toddler book group on Fridays and a recurring young-adult book group, and it stocks work from small independent presses. The shop is generally open Tuesday to Sunday.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature 1b Books.
Mother and Baby Writing Circles at 1b Books, Heaton
MotherFolk runs a weekly mother and baby writing circle at 1b Books on Bolingbroke Street, a gentle, baby-friendly space to write, reflect and meet other new parents in Heaton.
The Best Independent Shops in Heaton
Chillingham Road and Heaton Road are packed with independent character, a bookshop, record and skate shops, a wholefoods store, Newcastle's oldest sweet shop and more. Here is where to shop local.
More Retail in Heaton
Artichoke
An independent gift and homeware shop selling cards, stationery, books, candles and small homeware pieces.
The Curiosity Box
An independent purveyor of quality retro and vintage clothing, also stocking candles, incense, soaps and gift sets.
Festival
An independent shop selling clothing, jewellery and homeware sourced from India and Nepal.
Never miss what’s on
Join the weekly Heaton.live digest — the best events, news and local tips, straight to your inbox. Free, one email a week.
What's On
Milky Wimpshake at The Cumberland Arms
7:30pm · The Cumberland Arms, James Place Street, Ouseburn, NE6 1LD
Writers' Salon, Seven Stories
See booking · Seven Stories, 30 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ
Zak Younger Banks Album Preview
7:00 PM · The Cumberland Arms, James Place Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1LD