The Mr B’s Team – where are they now?
To celebrate twenty years of Mr B’s, we’re taking a trip down memory lane – and popping in to say hi to some familiar faces along the way! Some of our former booksellers reflect on life at B’s, from funny memories and favourite experiences, to bizarre questions and brilliant encounters.
This time, we’re hearing from Lydia, who worked here from 2008 to 2011!
A funny memory from your time at Mr B’s
Oh gosh, so, so many, but I will always remember taking the opportunity to indulge our Australian alter-egos with Ed and Nic behind the counter in quiet moments (I think I was ‘Gloria’ and Ed was ‘Snake-o’).
What have you been doing since leaving Mr B’s?
After a spell in France, on a little small-holding, I spent 15 years in Hackney as an English and Theatre Teacher. I moved back to Devon in 2022 and set up a Youth Theatre called Say So Collective CIC, which is going strong.
What book did you love recommending the most to Mr B’s customers?
The Erotic Potential of My Wife by David Foenkinos
What 3 books are currently on your TBR pile?
1) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
2) Famesick by Lena Dunham
3) Children of Radium by Joe Dunthorn
What was your favourite part about working at Mr B’s?
100% the team. We were a tiny team when I started at Mr Bs: Nic, Juliette, Ed, Kate and Caroline. Occasionally Harvey and Nic and Ju’s parents would chip in a shift.
Getting to come in every day and work with that bunch of excellent loons, and be part of the B team in its first formation, was a total luxury.
I also learned an enormous amount about setting up a small business in a tricky industry and how to do it with grace, grit, and good chocolate brownies from Chandos Deli.
