I have really mixed feelings about this place, and as such this will be a very mixed review.
This bookshop is in a gorgeous old building and has a beautiful leafy garden - a lovely spot to sit and enjoy a delicious coffee, glass of wonderful local Woodsoak wines or locally brewed beers all available.
The book selection is 90% second hand and doesn't seem to change over very regularly. It's a shame - a couple of years ago there were lots more new books, a lovely selection of kids books and lots more second hand books. I'm not sure if there's been a change of owners, but it feels a bit like it's just the unpopular used book leftovers available after a changeover. I used to buy a couple of books every time I visited Robe - now I hardly bother browsing as I feel like I'm seeing the same stock, even though I only visit 2/3 times a year.
Finally, I wish someone would teach the owner/manager a thing or two about the importance of friendly customer service. Whilst not rude, his persona is totally cold. He doesn't even say hello to people walking in - very strange for a tiny country town and a business that's presumably reliant on tourist trade.
It's a real shame - he's presumably missing many opportunities to cross sell their local goodies (olive oils, coffee, gorgeous scented candles and interesting jewellery) plus I think his lack of personality is doing the owners of the wines he sells a real disservice - we've never been offered to taste the wines unless by the other staff during the high season (who are all lovely and chatty).
Such a shame - this is a great spot, but the owner is missing big opportunities by not making more effort to engage with his customers!!
I will continue to enjoy a glass of lovely Woodsoak wines with friends in the garden as it's such a lovely spot - and no doubt the conversation will always roll around to 'imagine how well this place would do if the owner smiled and chatted with his customers, and it they restocked the bookshelves!' read more
