After a leisurely and pleasurely mooch around the charity shops on Ely High St, where we picked up an item or two of clothing and some art books, we popped into Topping. Formerly my favourite bookshop in East Anglia. Poss’ even the UK?
Why formerly? Because I no longer feel welcome there. I shall relate today’s experience below. Sadly it’s not the first time I’ve left the shop thinking maybe I won’t go back.
On my very first visit to this in many ways splendid bookshop, I was offered a complimentary coffee. That was a great move on their part. For a few pennies outlay, they shot up in my (already very high) estimation – not just for the amazing selection of books they have – but for the friendly welcoming atmosphere.
Nowadays, when we visit, we might occasionally want to ask for a complimentary drink. But I feel that I ought not. Teresa always asks me to ask. But I don’t want to. Why? Because I feel we’re putting them out. I feel we are not welcome. Why do I feel that? Well…
I believe that I’m made to feel like a cheapskate interloper, for occasionally asking for a tea or coffee when we visit. When the complimentary drinks are their damn idea!
Is there an unwritten rule that for every request for a warm beverage I must buy at least one book?
Today’s visit included a request from Teresa that I ask for a drink. I flatly refused. She had to ask.
She’s already used their toilet. With no untoward effect. I went to do likewise. I’d normally ask at the counter. But there was nobody there. I encountered a lady member of staff en-route to the loo, and politely asked could I use their facilities (as I’ve done on many previous occasions).
No, I couldn’t, as that’s whither she was bound. So I stood outside in the corridor. Waited for her to finish, and then went in. She told me it was a staff loo. I said I’d been allowed to use it before. And she grudgingly assented.
Later, she tutted loudly/audibly, as we left the upper floor of the bookshop. I’m not sure why? Perhaps because we left the tea tray upstairs? I’d usually return it. But on this occasion I just couldn’t wait to get out of the shop.
I thought about complaining to the lady on the desk/till, downstairs. But I didn’t. Instead I phoned another branch of the bookshop. And related my experience, and how it left me feeling.
The guy I spoke to, Duncan (in Edinburgh!), was very polite. And said he’d raise the matter with their Director. Good! I don’t enjoy being made to feel unwelcome.
I might make an inventory of books I’ve bought there, and tickets we’ve purchased for their author talks (which include Rick Stein, + book; Nigella + book, Paxman + book, Melvyn Bragg + book, and many, many more).
I used to recommend Topping to anyone bookish. Now I’m less inclined to do so. And I used to feel happy to pay the full RRP, which Topping always ask, rather than get a book cheaper – often much cheaper – via Amazon. I no longer feel that way.
If I’m not welcome at Topping, despite all the years of buying from them? I’ll shop for books elsewhere. It makes me sad. As I love Topping, the bookshop. But I very much dislike the snooty disdain with which I’ve been treated on more than one occasion, by more than one member of staff.
Hey ho!
But our visit to Ely was – apart from this – very nice. We had chips n’ sausage, from the very good chip shop on the market place. We went to Ely City Centre Cycle Shop, where I bought an Airfix model, and Teresa looked in the haberdashery section. And we finished off at the Antiques place, followed by Peacock’s.
