The Sinful Spine – Visit Newcastle’s First Romance-Only Bookshop

Reading lovers, did you know that Newcastle has recently opened its first romance-only bookshop?

It’s called The Sinful Spine, a literary haven with thousands of Romantasy and dark romance volumes from light and cosy to pitch-black.

It instantly went viral on social media, with queues around the corner and stock selling out. 

So, I met my book-obsessed friend Tilly and Chloe from New Girl in Toon here for a catch-up and to buy some new books.

Here is a guide to The Sinful Spine with all the amazing reasons to visit.  

What is the Sinful Spine?

The Sinful Spine is a romance bookstore ‘for the dreamers who never quite belonged to reality’.

It was founded by Bella after a particularly hard period of her life. 

After her sister Kayle handed her a copy of A Court of Thorns and Roses, it inspired a Romantasy obsession. 

Bella wanted to open a home for readers who have always found little pieces of themselves between the pages. In her words:

“A place to belong, make friendships, obsess over fictional characters, and celebrate the stories we love without judgement”.

So, The Sinful Spine was born and, after its grand opening, it’s been a triumphant success.

Arriving at The Sinful Spine bookshop

I had seen The Sinful Spine all over my social media feeds for weeks after they opened, so I was so excited to finally visit.

There had regularly been long queues outside, so we got there for opening time to beat the rush. 

I loved the sprayed sign on the storefront, and I couldn’t wait to step inside this literary paradise and buy some spicy new books for my collection.

Inside The Sinful Spine

As soon as I stepped inside The Sinful Spine, I loved how luxurious the setting was.

There was a row of arched black bookshelves, plush red furnishings, and sparkling chandeliers.

Towards the back, you’ll find a gallery filled with gold-framed portraits, book quotes and mirrors.

Something I was obsessed with was all the gorgeous sprayed artwork on the walls. 

There were roses, stars, skulls, castles and pistols behind comfy reading nooks. It was a romance reader’s dream come true. 

“Books. She has found a way to live a thousand lives or to find strength in a very long one…” 

What books do they sell?

The Sinful Spine has every type of Romantasy and Dark Romance book you could think of.

You’ll find traditionally published books as well as independent ones. It’s a great range of classics and TikTok viral sensations. 

Browse special edition copies, blind dates with a book and books with stunning sprayed edges.

There are bookish souvenirs like book bags, apparel, printed Smut Street signs and STFUATTDLAGG. If you know, you know.

They have organised the bookshelves from light romance at the front of the store, slowly descending to dark romance at the back.

At the very end, you’ll find their famous Pitch Black Room. This is the very first of its kind. 

Pitch Black Room

Something that I was really looking forward to at The Sinful Spine was visiting the world’s first dedicated Pitch Black romance room.

They have bookshelves filled with the darkest, most taboo romance volumes you can sink your teeth into.

It’s constantly changing and expanding, so make sure to see what new additions they add to the shelves.

I also loved all the artwork and graffiti in this room. As a regular dark romance reader, I felt right at home. 

Sinful Spine Cocktails

Something I absolutely loved about The Sinful Spine was their luxe interiors with a range of comfy red sofas and velvet chairs. 

They are the perfect place to read or catch up with a friend on your latest book obsession. 

They have a fully stocked bar at the back that serves a range of coffees or stronger potions throughout the day. 

Chloe, Tilly and I treated ourselves to some sinful cocktails to have a natter about our book hauls.

I tried The Sinful Spine, an espresso martini, but they also had other concoctions like Listen Princess, Is it Spicy? and Why Choose.

Sinful Events

As well as a book seller, The Sinful Spine has a calendar of reader events planned throughout the year.

They regularly host a Pitch Black, Romantasy and Contemporary Romance Book Clubs. 

You can also attend many author signings; their latest is a chance to meet Sadie Kincaid. 

Is The Sinful Spine worth visiting?

Yes, I had such a lovely time in The Sinful Spine catching up with friends, reading books and sipping tasty cocktails.

It’s a haven for like-minded readers of romance books. We ended up spending a couple of hours here.

I only wish I lived closer, so I could haunt their Pitch Black room more often.

You must add this incredible Newcastle bookstore to your literary bucket list. 

How to visit The Sinful Spine bookstore

The Sinful Spine is located in Heaton, a vibrant area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the North East of England. 

Newcastle Station has plenty of rail connections, and then it’s a quick 20-30 minute bus ride to the bookstore.

If you’re driving, there is off-road parking available on Heaton Road, but always double-check restrictions. 

Opening hours

The Sinful Spine is open from:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday & Wednesday: 11 am to 5 pm
• Thursday to Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm
• Sunday: 11 am to 3 pm

With the late opening hours, it’s the perfect place to chat all things books with a few sinful cocktails. 

BREK-E Café

The Sinful Spine do not currently offer any food options, so we visited BREK-E Café next door. 

They are an American-style diner with gorgeous luxe interiors and an incredible menu with halal options.

I had the British Invasion, a traditional English breakfast, and my friend had one of their French Toasts, which looked divine. 

Discover Newcastle-upon-Tyne

If you are visiting Newcastle for the day or a weekend, there are plenty of incredible attractions to find in the city.

If you love reading, I highly recommend popping inside the Lit & Phil Library. 

It’s the largest independent library in the UK outside of London, containing 160,000 books.

Just opposite, you’ll find the Vampire Rabbit. This is one of my favourite cocktail bars, named after the quirky statue found near the cathedral. 

It’s also worth popping into Newcastle Cathedral as the interiors are spectacular. Café 16 also provides a pretty setting for refreshment.

There is independent shopping found in Grey Street, Grainger Town and the Central Arcade. If you love art, visit The Laing Art Gallery.

Newcastle also has a historic castle, and no visit would be complete without seeing the many iconic bridges that span the Tyne River. 

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Save The Sinful Spine Bookstore for later