On the counter
Ask at the counter.
Looking for something? We can order almost anything, and find most things that are out of print.
Independent booksellers · Est. 2019
A bookshop forthe latehours.
New fiction, second-hand finds and a quiet corner to read them in. An independent bookshop on the Kent coast, open late.
On the wall
What’s on.
Reading group.
Bring a book you’ve loved, or one you haven’t. Wine, cake and strong opinions.
Late nights.
The lights low, the coffee on, and the shop to yourself. Stay for one more chapter.
Author evenings.
Readings, signed copies and a glass of something. The next one is in the window.
On the letter board
Ordering a book.
Ask us.
Tell us the title, the author, or the kind of thing you fancy.
We search.
In print, out of print, or on a shelf in the back. We’ll let you know within a day.
It arrives.
Most books reach us in two to four working days.
Collect.
Pay when you pick it up, or have it posted anywhere in the UK.
Read.
If it isn’t right, bring it back within two weeks.
On the cabinet
On the shelves.
New & noteworthy
New fiction, poetry and non-fiction, chosen by the booksellers and stacked on the front table.
Second‑hand & rare
Pre-loved paperbacks, out-of-print finds and the occasional cloth-bound treasure.
The reading room
A monthly book, first refusal on signed copies, and a sofa by the window.
Not sure what you fancy? Ask us at the counter.
On the cork board
The booksellers.
You’ll always talk to the people who read the books.
Mara
Owner and bookseller. Ask her about new fiction, or the shelf behind the counter.
Jonah
Second-hand and special orders. If it exists, he can usually find it.
Iris
Events, the reading room and the coffee. She’ll make you stay for one more chapter.
Over the shelves
Say hello.
Questions, requests and wedding lists. If yours isn’t below, send it.
Or email hello@vesperbooks.co.uk
Open Tue–Sun
14 Harbour Street, Whitstable
Tue–Sun, from 10am · Closed Mondays
The shop
A shop for readers.
Vesper Books is an independent bookshop on the Kent coast. We keep the front table for new fiction, the back shelves for second-hand finds, and the window seat for anyone who wants to stay.
We’re open late, we know what’s on our shelves, and we’ll always tell you what we’re reading. Bring a list, or bring nothing at all.
- Independent
- Based in Whitstable, Kent
- Open late
Signed first edition · £16.99
Book of the month
The Last Tide
A slow, salt-air novel about a family, a lighthouse and the things left unsaid. Signed copies from the first printing.
“I read it in two sittings and then started again.”
Mara, bookseller
On the shelves.
New books at the front, old favourites at the back, and a reading room for the ones you want to keep.
New & noteworthy
The front table.
New fiction, poetry and non-fiction, chosen by the booksellers and stacked on the front table.
Good for
- Signed first editions
- Staff picks and proofs
- Something for the train home
Second‑hand & rare
The back shelves.
Pre-loved paperbacks, out-of-print finds and the occasional cloth-bound treasure.
Good for
- Out-of-print titles
- Cloth-bound classics
- Paperbacks for the beach
The reading room
A sofa in the window.
A monthly book, first refusal on signed copies, and a sofa by the window.
Good for
- A book posted every month
- First refusal on signed copies
- Tickets to author evenings
Recommended
Staff picks.
Three books we’re pressing on people this week. Ask us why — we’ll tell you at length.
Ordering a book.
Anything in print, most things out of print, and a fair few things we already have on the shelves.
Step 1: Ask us.
Tell us the title, the author, or the kind of thing you fancy.
Step 2: We search.
In print, out of print, or on a shelf in the back. We’ll let you know within a day.
Step 3: It arrives.
Most books reach us in two to four working days.
Step 4: Collect.
Pay when you pick it up, or have it posted anywhere in the UK.
Step 5: Read.
If it isn’t right, bring it back within two weeks.
What’s on
In the shop.
Reading group, late nights and the occasional author. All welcome — no need to book unless you’d like a seat.
Last Thursday · 7pm
Reading group.
Bring a book you’ve loved, or one you haven’t. Wine, cake and strong opinions.
Every Thursday · 8–10pm
Late nights.
The lights low, the coffee on, and the shop to yourself. Stay for one more chapter.
First Friday · 7pm
Author evenings.
Readings, signed copies and a glass of something. The next one is in the window.
Praise
Word gets around.
“The kind of bookshop you wish was at the end of your road.”
The Whitstable Review
“A room that smells of paper, coffee and good decisions.”
Kent Coast Magazine
“Ask for a recommendation. You will leave with three books.”
A regular
Questions.
Visiting
When are you open?
Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am to 8pm. Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 10pm. Sunday, 11am to 6pm. We close on Mondays.
Where can I find you?
We’re at 14 Harbour Street in Whitstable, a minute from the beach. There is step-free access through the front door and a seat by the window.
Is there coffee?
Yes. Coffee, tea and something small to eat. You are welcome to take a cup to the window seat and stay for a chapter.
Are dogs welcome?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, and there is a bowl of water by the door.
Do you have events?
A reading group on the last Thursday of the month, late openings on Thursdays, and author evenings through the year. The next one is always in the window.
Books & orders
Can you order a book you don’t have in stock?
Yes. Anything in print, and most things out of print. Tell us the title and author and we’ll let you know within a day or two.
Can I reserve a book?
Yes. We’ll hold it behind the counter for a week. Ring or email and we’ll put your name on it.
Do you buy second-hand books?
We buy selectively, by appointment. Send a photo of what you have, or bring a small box in on a weekday and ask for Jonah.
Can I return a book?
If it isn’t right, bring it back within two weeks in the condition you bought it. Signed and special orders are the exception.
Do you post books?
Yes, anywhere in the UK. Postage is charged at cost, and we can send a note if it is a gift.
Visit
Come and find us.
We’re on Harbour Street, a minute from the beach. The coffee is on, the window seat is usually free, and there’s no rush to leave.
14 Harbour Street, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1ABhello@vesperbooks.co.uk01632 960271- Tuesday – Wednesday
- 10am – 8pm
- Thursday
- 10am – 10pm
- Friday – Saturday
- 10am – 10pm
- Sunday
- 11am – 6pm
Closed Mondays
No need to book. Events are first come, first seated.