Next Chapter Books are starting their next chapter right in the heart of this beloved Leeds landmark.
Having spent 12 years working her corporate events job, Eden Barnes had an itch she couldn’t scratch. Ever since she was a child, she wanted to work for herself, but only in the past few years did this dream become serious. And so, she decided to take the plunge and open Next Chapter Books, a women-led bookshop in the Piazza of Leeds Corn Exchange.
“Every single book that you see featured on Instagram or in the newspapers is written by a man”, Eden told us. “And I know how many fantastic books there are written by women that people wouldn’t necessarily pick up – there are so many female writers that just need a little bit more highlighting, and that’s what I want the shop to do.”
The bookshop’s interior is a self-described ‘dopamine hit’, complete with bright colours – think yellow splashed on the walls with funky patterns. There’ll be comfy places to hunker down in and get lost in a book, as well as a book journal where you can write down your favourite read.
© Copyright Leeds-List 2025
Around 80% of the titles in the store will be written by women, with the other 20% consisting of books written by men, trans people and people of colour. Intersectionality is at the heart of Eden’s operation, and so the titles won’t be separated but rather interspersed.
As for genres, readers can expect fantasy, romance, non-fiction and more, as well as a fiction and non-fiction book of the month chosen by Eden herself. There’ll also be a children’s section, where little ones can get stuck into some drawing and writing.
© Copyright Leeds-List 2025
If you’re struggling with what to go for, never fear, as the staff are all passionate about literature and books. Every time you come in, you’ll be able to speak to someone that’s read a big old pile of books that they’d love nothing more than to recommend to you. What a dream!
But it doesn’t stop there. Oh no, shoppers who want to rest their weary feet can enjoy a cup of coffee at the cafe area, and from March, the drinks offering will hopefully expand to wine, too. Keeping on theme, Eden hopes to source the wine from women-owned vineyards across the world.
© Copyright Leeds-List 2025
Still wondering why you should come down and give it a go? Let Eden tell you herself: “I’m hoping that 2025 is the year of supporting your local independent bookshop. If you visit Next Chapter Books, you might find a book you’ve never heard of, but I can guarantee that you’re going to enjoy it and it might be a writer you’ve never heard of before.”
Next Chapter Books, The Piazza, Leeds Corn Exchange, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR. Opens Wednesday 5th February 2025.
Cover image © Copyright Leeds-List 2025
