People enjoyed the first look inside the new Wine & Words by Watson in Southport at a gathering of friends and family.
The elegant new bookshop, wine bar and coffee lounge will officially open its doors on Lord Street in Southport town centre, near Connards jewellers, this Friday (15th August 2025).
It opens during one of the busiest weekends of the year for the town, with 55,000 visitors expected over the four days of the 2025 Southport Flower Show.
Local photographers Kevin and Carole Brown of Kevin Brown Photography were on hand to take the first pictures of this exciting new venture.
Owner James Watson said: “The wait is over… Wine & Words by Watson officially opens this Friday!
“Join us as we open the doors to a space where perfect coffee, great wine, delicious cheese, and meaningful conversation comes together.
“Whether you’re here for a glass, a book, or just the vibe – we can’t wait to welcome you.
“The opening day is Friday, 15th August.
“Mark your calendars — let’s raise a glass to new beginnings!”
Wine & Words by Watson is being opened by former local teacher James Watson, in the two units next door to Connards Jewellers on the iconic tree lined boulevard.
The innovative new venture will be the perfect place where people can sit back either inside or outside and watch the world go by as they enjoy a good book and a glass of wine or coffee. For anyone feeling hungry, a fine selection of cheese and charcuterie will be on offer too.
The new business is the realisation of a dream by James Watson, who has been a popular figure at Norwood Primary School in Southport for the past 14 years before leaving at Easter.
The former Scout Leader grew up in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland before moving to Southport. He has also spent many years working in hospitality, both in Scotland and here in Southport, with Lang’s Wine Bar in Churchtown Village and The Office on Hoghton Street being just a few.
The 54-year-old has a degree in Mathematics, Astronomy and Planetary Sciences and Hospitality Management, so is the right person to ensure Wine & Words by Watson offers an experience that is out of this world.
Last year the dad-of-three married Portia, a fellow teacher at Norwood Primary School.
James said: “Opening Wine & Words by Watson has long been a dream of mine! I am so excited to begin this new chapter.
“It will have books, it will have wine, it will have coffee – I love all three!
“I love to read. I love instilling the joy of reading in others.
“I want to create a special place where you can come and absorb all that a bookshop has to offer. It will be a wondrous place.”
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