Bestselling author Matt Haig is opening an independent bookshop and coffee spot called Golden in Brighton, United Kingdom [1, 2].
The venture marks a significant investment in the local literary landscape of the Seven Dials neighbourhood [1]. By combining a retail bookstore with a cafe, Haig aims to create a community hub that encourages slow consumption of literature, and social interaction.
Haig, known for writing *The Midnight Library* and *Reasons to Stay Alive*, plans to have the shop open by Christmas 2026 [1]. The decision to establish the shop in Brighton follows his long-standing connection to the area and a personal mission to increase book accessibility [1, 2].
The author said his own childhood was the primary motivation for the project. He grew up in a town that lacked a local bookstore, an experience that shaped his view of community infrastructure [1].
"My belief, as someone who grew up in a town without a bookshop, is that all communities should have one," Haig said [1].
The new establishment will focus on providing a welcoming environment for readers, moving away from traditional, formal bookstore atmospheres to create a more inclusive space [1]. The integration of a coffee spot is intended to draw in diverse crowds, and provide a space for residents to gather [2].
“"My belief, as someone who grew up in a town without a bookshop, is that all communities should have one."”
The opening of Golden reflects a broader trend of celebrity authors investing in physical retail to combat the decline of brick-and-mortar bookstores. By leveraging his personal brand and integrating a hospitality element through a coffee shop, Haig is attempting to create a sustainable business model that prioritizes community engagement over high-volume sales.
