The Hydra is a community bookshop, community venue and meeting space. Run by local people as a workers co-operative, the shop grew out of Bristol Radical History Group and other similar networks across the city. Sadly the march of gentrification has forced us to take flight. Our new, nomadic Hydra can now be found downstairs at Cafe Kino on Stokes Croft, where we're continuing to provide our books, zines and meeting space.

The hunt continues for a new, permanent home, and if you think you can help us please get in touch! The bookshop provides a meeting space, as well as an outlet for independent non-commercial publishers and authors to make their books and ideas accessible to the wider community.

Website Update

Services

Contact Report

One of the major aims of the Hydra is to provide a space which can accommodate and promote public events, meetings and discussion. The room comfortably seats around 35 people and we can also provide a video projector and screen, should you wish to use them. We charge a flat rate of 10 per meeting for regular meetings and 12 per hour for public events.

Event Booking Report

Please try and book at least 2 weeks before your event (especially for gigs) and allow around a week for your event to appear before contacting us. For meetings which are open to the public, or that need someone to make coffee we have an hourly rate of 12 donation. For small private meetings (outside of opening hours) that don't require any Hydra crew we ask for a minimum donation of 12 flat rate for the space.

Reviews (10)

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Leslie Fgl

Jan 30, 2020

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Beautiful people, amazing literature and welcoming atmosphere in a safe space ♡

Oliver Anderson

Nov 11, 2019

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Wonderful bookstore run in with anarchist ideals. The staff are super friendly, and alwaysbhelpful. They're a big part of the local community, always hosting unique events, and the collection of books is wonderful

Supertiny

Sep 02, 2019

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They were really nice when I came for just a short visit, nice vibe Xxxx

Shifu James Waters

Jan 29, 2019

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Lovely artisan anarchist vegan bookstore. A chance find for me & a must visit in Bristol

Standarduck

Jan 04, 2019

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Good coffee! Hadn't been in before, will go back again. I like the discount on plant based milk they offer :) the books are really different from the usual fair in coffee/bookshop places, so pop in and have a look!

Gloria Dall'Arche

Oct 11, 2018

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Really nice place that welcome all kind of people. Good vegetarian/vegan snacks and treats! 1£ French press coffee to enjoy the view from the window and many magazines to read. Cozy service and interesting/amazing selection of booooks! Funny service and plenty of organic teas:) A place to discover in Bristol:)

Natasha Louise Attwood

Aug 20, 2018

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Perfect lil hideaway for a lovely cup of earl grey! Absolutely love the quirkiness 😬. Really friendly highly recommended xx

Kristoff Sutton Juggler

Jul 08, 2018

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Beautiful place, had a lovely art expo on when I whent there last. Fantastic little find!

Kieran Denman

Oct 30, 2017

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Proper coffee cheaper than anywhere else (£1 for americano), an impressive selection of local/radical books and a friendly atmosphere. Events include everything from lively political discussions and history talks to an open mic and punk gigs!

Claire Franklin

May 28, 2016

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Vile coffee! Stuffy smell! I understand it's a independent business even more reason the standard needs to be improved!

Hydra Books