Two lifelong best friends have launched a new independent bookshop on the historic Rows in the centre of Chester.
Megan Nicolaides and Megan Yapp, who have been pals since they were at nursery together, are the founders of Chapters bookshop and wine bar on Watergate Row South in the city.
The pair share a lifelong love of reading and storytelling. Megan Nicolaides brings experience in marketing, while Megan Yapp contributes a background in finance and operations. They have combined their respective expertise to creative, commercial and operational skills to make Chapters a unique destination.
The shop brings together the magic of a bookshop with the warm, intimate atmosphere of a wine bar, creating a space where people can browse books, enjoy a drink and spend time in a beautifully designed, home-from-home setting.
Chapters offer a carefully curated selection of primarily fiction – including founder-favourite romantasy – alongside non-fiction titles. The shop also stocks a thoughtful range of complementary items such as greetings cards, candles and notebooks, many sourced from independent makers and small brands. Guests can enjoy wine, coffee, non-alcoholic drinks and light bar snacks to encourage them to relax, discover new books and stay a while.
Megan Yapp said: “Megan and I have been best friends since we were two years old.
“The idea for Chapters came from wanting to create the kind of place we’d always choose to spend time in with thoughtfully curated books, great coffee and wine and somewhere that feels welcoming whether you’re alone or with friends.
“What makes us different is our focus on curation over volume: we stock books we genuinely love, with a particular emphasis on women’s voices.
“I’ve always loved stories that completely pull you into another world; fantasy, romantasy, and a really gripping thriller are my go-to genres. I’m excited to bring those kinds of books onto the shelves at Chapters and introduce readers to stories they might not have discovered otherwise.
“Opening a bookshop together feels incredibly special for us; we’ve been friends since we were two years old and we can’t wait to start sharing the books we love with everyone.
“A few of our favourite books at the moment include Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, Heartburn by Nora Ephron, Alchemised by SenLinYu, and The BBQ at Number 9 by Jennie Godfrey.”
Megan Nicolaides said: “We’ve put a huge amount of love and care into curating everything, from the books on the shelves to the wines behind the bar. We really wanted to create a space that feels thoughtful and welcoming.
“Chester felt like the perfect place for a shop like Chapters. It has such a strong independent spirit (and a growing book scene) and the Rows are incredibly special, so we’re excited to bring something new to the city’s book lovers.”
Community is at the heart of Chapters. The shop will host regular events including author talks, book clubs, wine tastings and creative workshops to create a welcoming cultural space for readers.
Amy Bradley of the Booksellers Association said: “Chapters is a fantastic example of how independent bookshops can enrich their local communities. Megan and Megan have combined thoughtful curation, a welcoming environment and innovative programming to create a space that is more than just a shop – it’s a cultural hub for Chester. We are delighted to welcome Chapters to the Booksellers Association.”
