Brighton’s oldest bookshop goes under the hammer at Parsons Son & Basley
Two Way Books
The oldest bookshop in Brighton has closed its doors for the last time. Two Way Books, on Gardner Street in Brighton, was established in the 1960s and has been trading for 47 years. In that time it’s become a staple for many in Brighton and Hove. Both residents and tourists will have fond memories of spending pocket money there or rooting around the vast array of literature that was on offer.
“This iconic shop is trading no more”
And although this iconic shop is trading no more, Parsons Son & Basley hope to give it a new lease of life by offering the property in its auction on 27 June. Georgina Tunbridge, auction assistant said: “We are so pleased to assist the current owners auction their property. Being from Brighton myself it’s somewhere that I have known all my life. Although it is sad to be losing a piece of Brighton’s history we are certain it will be going to safe hands and attract a lot of interest from the local community.”
The property itself is in a great location, with many local businesses surrounding it and in the heart of the popular and trendy North Laine area. Although its use has been retail entirely for the last four decades there is a ground floor retail area, large basement and then a one bedroom maisonette on the upper floors, making it an ideal opportunity to retailers and developers alike. As many Brightonians are aware, Two Way Books has been run by the same family since it was established, and while they are now looking to new ventures, closing the shop has been an arduous task. Teresa Whittington, daughter of the owner, said: “It was not an easy decision to close the shop, my family has had some great times here and we hope the new owners enjoy being part of this vibrant community as much as we have for the last 47 years.”
Two Way Books, 54 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN
Guide Price: £375,000-£400,000 Freehold
Viewings strictly by appointment only
Parsons Son & Basley
01273 326171
www.psandb.co.uk
