A full house "Upstairs at Barnett's" was educated and entertained by Adrian Phillips, discussing the outsiders and fellow risk-takers who helped steer Churchill through his often ill-starred political journey to cult leadership status. Adrian's detailed research and deep understanding really came to life in this fascinating discussion, with questions from an engaged audience.

We were very glad that Carole Hailey made the long trip from North Wales to talk to us about the "alternative reality" of her wonderful novel, The Silence Project, built on her PhD in Cult Studies. Carole gave thoughtful insights in response to the questions put to her, as well as amusing anecdotes. It is always interesting to learn more about the background that leads to such interesting novels.

We look forward to Carole's next novel and its non-criminal psychopath protagonist! 

We had been looking forward to an entertaining evening with comedy writer, performer, producer and director, Jon Harvey, and the audience was duly entertained! Jon discussed his latest book, A Fan for All Seasons, and the mixed emotions he faced in writing a book inspired by his brother's untimely death, but which gave rise to so many comic moments across the sporting world (in its widest definition - including Rubik's Cube Solving championships). We also heard about Jon's alter ego, Count Binface, and what the electorate can expect from him in future!​

An enthusiastic crowd filled our event room, Upstairs at Barnett's, to meet Sarah Jane Butler and hear more about her wonderful novel, Starling, which has captivated local readers as well as being widely acclaimed. The discussion ranged from the craft of fiction-writing to foraging, as well as recommended nature reads, both fiction and non-fiction.

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We're all looking forward to Sarah's next book - a work of non-fiction based on and around the life of the river Medway.  ​

We were delighted to be entertained by C.J. Schüler's erudite and witty presentation of his personal and historical travelogue - Along the Amber Route - which tracks the path, ancient and modern, for the amber trade from Scandinavia to Venice - an alternative Silk Road.

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The intimacy of the Barnett's event room allowed for a very wide-ranging discussion. We were also treated to insights on C.J. Schüler's latest book, The Wood that Built London  ​

A very entertaining discussion of the life and times of Eliza Action, the writer of the first "modern" cookbook - an immediate bestseller and the inspiration for the more famous Mrs Beeton!

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A knowledgeable audience put Annabel to the test on the influence of Eliza Action on more modern cookbooks, the cross-over from poetry to recipes, and the tools and methods used in 19th century kitchens.  ​

A broad and deeply researched presentation by Halik Kochanski, based on her latest book, Resistance, was well received by all, with a highly engaging Q&A.

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In another first for Barnett's, we were thrilled to see a full house for a "Literary Lounge" event for a "serious" academic history discussion.  ​

Our first Literary Lounge of 2023 was a great success, with a very eloquent and passionate presentation by Jasper Gibson of the story behind his wonderful novel, The Octopus Man.  ​

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Jasper brought his book to life with a couple of readings - it is always illuminating to hear the author's character come alive in his own voice - and ended with a very interesting Q&A discussion. 

Another new venture for Barnett's, with our first cookbook demonstration. After a taster of her dhokla and chai, Torie True nonchalantly chatted and answered questions while preparing recipes from her wonderful Indian cookbook, Chilli & Mint. The audience then got to taste the Sri Lankan dal, Keralan cabbage thoran and Bengali tomato chutney she had rustled up - and the consensus was that all were truly delicious!

We were excited to launch our newly refurbished event space - "Upstairs at Barnett's" - with a very interesting and wide-ranging conversation with Susan Furber, talking through some of the themes of her first novel, The Essence of an Hour in an open and interactive discussion with the audience. Susan also talked about the creative process and the way that she is hoping to take her characters forward in her next novel, to be published in 2023.

It is always a treat to have Amanda Craig give us her insights and opinions and this occasion was no different. Amanda entertained the audience with readings from her highly successful 2021 novel, The Golden Rule and, in conversation with Sue Gaisford, lifted the veil on the challenges (and joys) of the novel-writing process. A few teasers, too, about her next novel - The Three Graces - due out in 2023.

Award-winning author and acclaimed expert, Alan Judd, gave a rapt audience a fascinating insight into the life and times of Christopher Marlowe and the intrigue and uncertainty about his role as a spy and his murder, in the context of Alan's most recent novel, A Fine Madness. He also gave a glimpse of the process for creating such a well-researched and imaginative historical novel. 

Alan's next spy novel (set in the modern era) will be released in July 2022.

Frances Quinn gave an extremely entertaining and engaging presentation of her debut historical novel, The Smallest Man. As well as addressing the challenges of an imagined story in a strictly historical setting, Frances also discussed the issues around writing about a person with dwarfism - and the persistence, chance and satisfaction of becoming a published author. We very much look forward to her second novel later in 2022.

We were thrilled to welcome Guinevere Glasfurd back to Barnett's to discuss her latest novel, in discussion with Sue Gaisford. With a few pertinent slides, Guin discussed the historical and cultural context for her story and brought out the intricacies of using creative license to give her historical characters agency in developing their inter-related narratives.

In our first Literary Lounge since lockdowns, Ruth Thomas gave a very engaging reading of extracts from her latest novel and provided wonderful (and surprising) insights into the realities of the novel-writing process. Having enjoyed the sometimes dark humour of The Snow..., we all look forward to wherever Ruth takes her characters next.​

Peter rounded off a successful year of Barnett's Literary Lounges with an absorbing synopsis of his latest book, Footnotes, in which he follows twelve writers around Britain, delving into literature and landscape. Peter's enthusiasm for his subjects, from the twelfth century Gerald of Wales, to Beryl Bainbridge, is reflected in his engaging prose style - this is a wonderful book that informs and entertains in equal part.

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We thoroughly enjoyed welcoming Alan Judd to Barnett's again for an lively evening of  discussion based around his gripping and topical new spy thriller Accidental Agent.

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Brexit looms and Charles Thoroughgood, Chief of MI6, is forbidden for political reasons from spying on the EU. But what happens when an EU official reports the EU's negotiating bottom lines?

Added into the mix is Charles' possible family connection with a terrorist...

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Yet another sold-out Literary Lounge! We were delighted to welcome Anne Youngson for a discussion of Meet Me at the Museum, a moving and thoughtful meditation on life, encouraging us to look to the future rather than the past. 

Anne's account of how she came to writing as a second career via an MA and PhD will no doubt have fired the literary ambitions of some audience members!

We're looking forward to Anne's next novel set on a narrow boat and hoping that the option to film Meet Me at the Museum is exercised soon!

In conjunction with Wadhurst Culture's 'When the Oak Spoke', Peter Fiennes gave an inspiring talk to a capacity crowd based on his book, 'Oak, Ash and Thorn', a Guardian Best Nature Book of the Year.

Peter explored our long relationship with trees and woods and the sad and violent story of how so many have been lost. 

Miranda treated us to a lively and informative introduction to her latest book, In Byron's Wake: The Turbulent Lives of Lady Byron and Ada Lovelace. This was a fascinating glimpse into the unconventional lives of Lady Byron, great social reformer and Ada, pioneer of computer science, accompanied by entertaining insights on Byron himself. Miranda left us with the tantalising possibility of a new book to be based on Ada's own writings. Watch this space! 

A hugely entertaining and informative discussion with journalist and author, Robert Winder, whose latest book, The Last Wolf, asks the questions "What sort of place is England? And who are the English?". Robert's answers lie not in royal pageantry or politics but in the landscape and history.

Davina entertained us with the story of how an English writer came to write an utterly convincing novel set in the American West, drawing on her deep interest and extensive research. The Brittle Star, Davina's first novel, has been described as "part High Noon, part The Good the Bad and the Ugly - crying out to be made into one of the great Western movies"

In conversation with Sue Gaisford, Amanda Craig described the themes and inspiration for her witty yet thought-provoking tale of a "modern couple" facing the pressures of modern life. Not for nothing was The Lie of the Land chosen as Book of the Year by ALL the quality broadsheets!

If you liked The Lie of the Land, you should also read her Hearts and Minds

Drawing on his experience as a soldier and a diplomat, Alan gave an interesting talk to present his latest novel, Deep Blue, and the character developments that the novel explores. Deep Blue  is a spy thriller set in the UK, which moves between the present day and Cold War intrigue, from an author likened to Le Carre, Graham Greene and Charles Cumming. 

Guinevere Glasfurd introduced her debut novel - nominated for the Costa First Novel Award 2016. The Words in My Hand, set in 17th Holland, tells the little-know story of an affair between the celebrated philosopher Rene Descartes and a lowly Dutch maid.

Renowned non-fiction author. Francis Spufford gave a highly engaging presentation of the enjoyment he encountered in writing his first fiction work, Golden Hill, set in the Manhattan of the mid-18th century, which won the Costa First Novel award in 2016.