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The Portal Bookshop

York’s dedicated queer bookshop, community hub and portal to excellent reading

York, UK

Neighbourhood

York

About The Portal Bookshop

York does not have a permanent gay nightlife district, but The Portal Bookshop gives the city a genuinely queer space of its own. The independent shop specialises in LGBTQ+ literature alongside science fiction, fantasy, young-adult books, zines and harder-to-find imports. It also acts as a community noticeboard and gathering point, with book clubs, small events and work by local queer artists and makers. It is warm, distinctive and far more useful to understanding queer York than padding the guide with generic “gay-friendly” pubs.

What to expect

A welcoming independent queer bookshop with thoughtful recommendations, community information, gifts, zines and occasional events.

Vibes

Queer Bookshop LGBTQ+ Books Community Space Sci-Fi Fantasy Local Makers

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

The shop specialises in LGBTQ+ books as well as science fiction and fantasy.

Its small community programme includes an online queer sci-fi and fantasy book club.

Gallery

Photos coming soon

Location

The Portal Bookshop

5 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB, United Kingdom

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

4.9

133 reviews

Overall rating across Google Maps.

Rating by source

Google Maps
4.9

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Minna Husen

3 months ago

cozy little bookshop with a great collection of queer books, including horror and non fiction. The staff was very friendly and made great recommendations! One of the best bookshops I've ever been at

Review from Google Maps

Lauren Edwards

5 months ago

Great community space, awesome selection of all things queer, and very nice atmosphere. Perfect store for the niche

Review from Google Maps

Alice O'Brien

2 years ago

Feels like an absolutely safe space. I asked for a book recommendation and the person behind the desk, gave me an excellent one called a Master of Djinn. I'm so glad bookshops like this exist, I felt like I was in heaven. So keen to come back to this gem. Inclusive in everywaybpossible and I hope more stores just like yours pop up

Review from Google Maps

Emma Thompson

3 months ago

The best bookshop in York. A great selection, wonderful staff, I always come away with something amazing.

Review from Google Maps

Katie Allen

4 years ago

Happened to accidentally stumble across this place whilst visiting York and it instantly felt like home. Such an great selection of books, badges, stickers and lots more. Lali is amazing and I’ve already finished (and loved) the books they recommended to me. Can’t wait to come back and visit again soon! :)

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Listed in: York › United Kingdom
Data from: WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google