New Independent Bookstore drops on Piccadilly!

7th October 2023 marks National Bookshop Day, and what better way to celebrate than to share the opening of Drop City Books; the city centre’s answer for carefully curated publications, author events and book clubs with a twist. We sat down with Ruth Wallbank, owner of DCB, to find out more about her new venture in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre, the importance of stories for escapism, and the incredible support of the community in making her childhood dreams a reality.



The first thing you’ll notice about Drop City Books is its innate sense of creativity and curiosity. Based at the very foot of Piccadilly, the vibrant terracotta frontage welcomes you in. The central store is light, airy and accessible, with books for all ages, tastes and demographics specifically chosen by owner, Ruth Wallbank of Hartshill:


“Books have always been central to who I am. I remember my mum and nan being huge readers when I was little and couldn’t wait until I could do the same. The idea of owning a bookshop has always been the dream, but I had often parked it until I grew up.”

Growing up is a state of mind, of course, and it is clear that Drop City Books knows what it is in terms of style and substance. It’s playful yet mature. It’s more than just a bookshop, manifested by Ruth’s joy of books.

“Like many people, the pandemic shifted my priorities; I really wanted to tie together work and what I enjoy. After chats with other bookshop owners - who have all been incredibly kind - I decided that more books in the world is a good thing, especially in a city centre with no independent booksellers. Books are so neccesary to help people of all ages discover alternative worlds, hope and escapism, when we’re faced in a world where we’re many of us are being told not to be who we are.”



After a tour of the frankly humongous space in which DCB lives, Ruth explained how she hit the jackpot with the building and her vision.

“I got an immediate good feeling when I walked in here. The windows are bright and airy and just screams a space for community. Lots of people have been taking a peek in and it’s making it very real! It’s taken 62 days (we’re pretty sure) to bring the place to life with the help of my amazing family and friends. My dad is a builder, my brother an electrician, my mother-in-law is a dab hand at soft furnishings and my mum has been steadfast in bringing us plenty of tea and lending a hand at everything, as has my husband. I’m really lucky and grateful. All the businesses on Piccadilly have also shown nothing but love and support and I’m excited to be the newest member of this little business community family”

The bookshop is the starting place. 9 coats of crisp white paint have done wonders to the building previously unoccupied for many months, with nearly 5000 books to explore. Plenty of personality has been splashed on the walls too, in the form of a quirky mural by Rebecca Davies filled with novel Easter eggs. There’s even a little beanbag reading zone in the children’s section, which we can confirm is very cosy.

As we explored the rooms, Ruth continued to share how Drop City Books will offer a community space with compelling events for avid readers:

“We’ve got lots planned. For example, we recently launched our first totally sold out ‘Book Party’, following the recent success of The Ocean at the End of the Lane at The Regent Theatre. Each attendee will receive a copy of Neil Gaiman’s book, a complimentary drink, good vibes and a comfy chat and exclusive browsing of the store. There’ll be more of these in future, so watch this space.”

We were taken to the delightful space where the Book Parties will be taking place. Filled with soft furnishings, repurposed and recycled furniture, it’s the perfect place to chill out in DCB’s version of ‘nans living room’. It even has a classic school bench; like the ones that you yearned to sit on during your year 6 assemblies. Everything offers a sense of nostalgia and comfort in this zone, which is set to be the home of sell-out events.

“The first author event features Aadia Azmati on her joyful memoir Sex Bomb: The Life and Loves of an Asian Babe. We’re working away on more of these too, and hope that Drop City Books will become a beloved community space for us who love a good read. Whilst reading is quite a solitary activity, the dream is to create a safe space for like minded people.”

There’s truly lots to be excited about for Drop City Books as we welcome them to Stoke-on-Trent City Centre from Saturday 7th October 2023. You can support the store by checking it out on Broad Street, ST1 4HL. They also have an Instagram page where you can follow and find out more about upcoming releases and events: Drop City Books (@dropcitybooks) • Instagram photos and videos

October Opening Times:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday: 10am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm