Welcome to the world's first walk-in Poetry Pharmacy!
"Here, instead of sleeping pills and multivitamins, customers will be offered prescriptions of Derek Walcott and Elizabeth Bishop" - Alison Flood, The Guardian.
Our independent bookshop in Bishop's Castle is perfectly at home in this original Victorian building in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. Here you will find a warm welcome and a bookshop where you can browse according to your mood – from ‘Matters of the Heart’ to ‘For days when the world is too much with us’. You will find books, art and gifts as well as beautiful stationery and artefacts chosen to address a particular emotional ailment.
The Poetry Pharmacist is on hand to prescribe poetic medicine for a complicated mix of emotions… or if it’s more serious, lie on the consulting couch and have a full length consultation with hand-picked poems (by appointment).
The Poetry Pharmacy is proud to be a centre for poetry and creative writing, with a focus on well-being. The Distillery space upstairs is host to regular reading and writing workshops, as well as arts and well-being events, book launches and open mics.
EVENTS & WORKSHOPS IN BISHOP'S CASTLE
Book here for ticketed events in our light and airy Distillery space. You will also find information about our regular reading and writing groups. We aim to host the country’s best poets and workshop leaders, with a strong emphasis on good mental health and wellbeing in this lazy Shropshire town, set in the beautiful hills that inspired some of our greatest writers, and in the heart of AE Housman and Mary Webb country.
Subsidised places are available for many of our events – please enquire via email if you’re interested. The Book Now button will take you to the Eventbrite Event Page.
Our Christmas Opening Hours
Extended December Hours
Special Events
15th December 10.30am
Join Jan Westwood for a morning exploring the joy and beauty of the winter season through the work of various poets.
23rd December 3.45pm
A candlelit reading of the Christmas classic for all ages, read by Anna Dreda.
Regular Events
Last Sunday of the Month
from 12.30 to 2.30pm
A relaxed poetry workshop led by Pat Edwards.
£10 including refreshments, no need to book.
Last Wednesday of Every Other Month
Pat Edwards host Verbatim, poetry readings by visiting poets, including open mic slots.
£5 on the door including refreshments.
1st Saturday of the Month
£3 including refreshments.
email annadreda@icloud.com