Woolfson & Tay bookshop leaves Bermondsey Square

The shop shut on Christmas Eve for the holidays but founders Shivaun Woolfson and Frances Tay announced last week that the Bermondsey Square store would not be reopening.

"We're sorry to say that Woolfson & Tay has ceased to trade at Bermondsey Square," they said in an announcement on their website.

"Customers who have orders ready for collection can still do so. If we're not in when you drop by, you can call us on 020 7407 9316 and leave a message and we will get in touch with you.

"We expect to relocate in the near future, so if you would like to keep up to date with our developments, please consider signing up for our email updates."

In a separate Facebook update Woolfson & Tay cited "high rents and rates, insufficient footfall [and] lack of sales" as factors in the decision to shut the store.

Since it opened in September 2010 the shop had developed a lively programme of literary and community events, including children's storytelling and councillors' surgeries.