Revealed: the Baileys Prize Book Bar line-up!

On Monday 16^th May, the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction will open its first-ever pop-up Baileys Prize Book Bar at Waterstones’ new Tottenham Court Road store to celebrate the best writing by women and the 2016 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist.

The collaboration will see the basement bar transformed into an inspiring oasis which combines the love of reading with the pleasure of a Baileys.

For five days only, book lovers will have the chance to drop into the Baileys Prize Book Bar during the day to relax, to celebrate the six fabulous novels that make up the 2016 shortlist whilst enjoying a Baileys. Book clubs and reading groups will be invited to host sessions in this inspiring new venue in the heart of London.

On Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes, there will be an opportunity to hear each of the six novels shortlisted for the 2016 Prize brought to life in exclusive readings from actors Tori Allen-Martin and Jim Rastall.

Come cocktail hour, the bar will transform into a hub for enthralling readings, discussions and stimulating panel events with some of the UK’s most inspirational women – not to mention creative cocktail making, and an exclusive DJ set.

Readers who purchase one of the six shortlisted books throughout the week will receive either a free Flat White martini or a Baileys coffee to indulge in as they celebrate the brilliant novels selected by the judges for the 2016 Baileys Prize*.

The week’s very special line-up of events is below:

Monday 16th May, 6.30pm: Join 2015 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction winner, Ali Smith, in a one-to-one conversation with novelist & Baileys Prize Co-Founder, Kate Mosse. As well as reading from her BWPFF winning novel How To Be Both, Ali will be talking about her work and writing process.
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Wednesday 18th May, 1pm: Exclusive performed readings from all six of the 2016 shortlisted novels read by actors Tori Allen-Martin and Jim Rastall– a  perfect lunchtime treat!
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Wednesday 18th May, 6.30pm: A midweek cocktail mix-up is on the menu at the Baileys Prize Book Bar. Ticket holders will have the exclusive chance to try their hand at creating the most indulgent, innovative and impressive Baileys blends, and learn the most creative tricks of the trade from an expert mixologist.
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Thursday 19th May, 6.30pm: Come and hear an exceptional panel of business women – including this year’s Chair of Judges Margaret Mountford, literary agent Felicity Blunt, and Siobhan Moriarty, General Counsel at Diageo PLC – talk about the books that have inspired them in their working lives.
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Friday 20th May, 1pm: Another chance to catch our performed readings from all six of the 2016 shortlisted novels read by actors Tori Allen-Martin and Jim Rastall– a  perfect lunchtime treat!
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Friday 20th May, 6.30pm: To bring the week to a close in style, visitors on the final evening will be treated to a special event with Eimear McBride, 2014 Baileys Prize winner for her debut novel, A Girl is a Half-formed Thing, hosted by novelist and Baileys Prize co-founder Kate Mosse.  She will be discussing her writing, taking questions from the audience and attendees will also be treated to an exclusive reading from her new novel, The Lesser Bohemians.
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Tickets for the events are only £6 per person and the price includes a delicious Baileys Flat White martini or a coffee and Baileys absolutely free.
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* The offer of a complimentary Flat White martini or Baileys coffee with purchase of a shortlisted book is open to over 18s only. Alternative non-alcoholic drinks are available.