Southport BID feature by Stand Up For Southport
A unique combination of a wine bar, bookshop and coffee shop has become an instant classic since it opened in Southport town centre with an incredibly exciting year ahead for the town.
Wine & Words by Watson opened at 423-425 Lord Streeton 15th August 2025 – the opening day of last year’s Southport Flower Show – and has bloomed, with a warm reception from customers.
There have been author events; book signings; poetry nights; and the first cheese and wine evening taking place this week.
This year the venue will have a front row seat as Southport writes its own remarkable story, with four brand new major events coming to town and happening right outside Wine & Words by Watson – starting with the vibrant Lightport festival on 14th-16th February 2026.
That will be followed by Cristal Palace (3rd-4th April 2026); the Big Top Festival (2nd-3rd May 2026); and Books Alive! (24th-31st October 2026).
All events are centred on the elegant Lord Street boulevard, aiming to attract visitors from far and wide to come and experience all that Southport town centre has to offer.
Wine & Words by Watson owner James Watson said:
“Things have been going really well since we’ve opened.
“The reviews we’ve had on Google Reviews and the feedback we’ve had from customers has been very positive.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our loyal customers for their support. We’re looking forward to seeing them all back here in 2026, as well as seeing lots of new faces.
“We have some fabulous local businesses around us in Southport town centre, and it’s been great building relationships and seeing us all work closely together.
“I love the Clare Wright Art Gallery further along Lord Street. I’ve bought some of Clare’s artwork, which is now on our wall – some of her works are also here, available for sale. It’s brilliant when local businesses can work collaboratively together.
“This is going to be a very exciting year for Southport and we’re going to have a front row seat!
“The first big one will be Lightport, taking place 14th-16th February, with stunning light installations all the way from the Mermaid Gardens, past Wine & Words by Watson and towards the Town Hall Gardens. It is going to be incredible!
“People doing the trail are more than welcome to call in here either before or afterwards – or why not call in here and order some takeaway coffee to take with you?
“I would love to hear more about these events and what they’re all about, and how we can get involved and support them.
“Of course we’re particularly interested in the Books Alive event during the October half-term week, there’s lots we can do for that one!
“The whole idea behind all these events is to bring lots of visitors into Southport town centre, whether it’s people who have not been to Southport recently or who have not been here before, and to show off everything this town has to offer.
“It’s going to give a massive boost to Southport.
“There is so much going on here with all the new events, and also with the huge investment in schemes like the restoration of Southport Pier, the new Marine Lake Events Centre, the new Cove Resort, and more.
“There is huge potential to improve Southport even further, and hopefully this additional footfall will encourage more investors to come in and get involved.”
Wine & Words by Watson has been opened by former local teacher James Watson, in the two units next door to Connards Jewellers.
The innovative new venture is 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.
The new business is the realisation of a dream by James, who was a popular figure at Norwood Primary School in Southport for 14 years before leaving last Easter.
The former Scout Leader grew up in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland before moving to Southport. He has spent many years working in hospitality, both in Scotland and in Southport, with Lang’s Wine Bar in Churchtown Village and The Office on Hoghton Street among them.
Two years ago the dad-of-three married Portia, a fellow teacher at Norwood Primary School.
Wine & Words by Watson has hosted several events during its opening months, which have proved to be hugely popular, with more on the way.
James Watson said:
“Our events have gone down very well! We have hosted two Books By The Bar nights featuring local authors, which have sold out so fast.
“The first night we had 50 tickets available, and it sold out in an hour and a half.
“For the second one, we had 45 tickets and they sold out in just six minutes.
“The Books By The Bar events went extremely well and we’re looking forward to hosting more – look out for a romantic fiction themed night which we’ll be hosting on 11th February, just ahead of Valentine’s Day, with details available on our social media pages soon.
“We have also hosted Poetry At The Bar nights.
“This Thursday we’re hosting our first Cheese & Wine night, which will be a private event organised in conjunction with Napthens Solicitors.
“We’re looking to host more of those soon, and are always happy to work with corporate partners, local businesses, families and others for private bookings – as long as these functions fit in with the ethos of our venue. We won’t be hosting any loud karaoke nights any time soon!
“We have regular book clubs here which are fantastic.
“So far, so good, things have been going very well throughout the winter.
“I can’t wait for warmer weather. This will be our first Spring and Summer, and it will be brilliant to see this place packed out with people sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine on Lord Street.
“This is a huge year for Southport with all the new events, with The Open golf championship also coming to town this July, adding to other big events such as Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show, the British Musical Fireworks Championship, Southport Comedy Festival and more.
“We’re really looking forward to the year ahead.”
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