Bristol's book-lovers really rate the Waterstone's Bristol Galleries, partly because it holds such a vast stock and they can usually find what they want without having to order. But also for its air of quiet gentility and solitude. Part of a national chain, it is a general store but with an educated slant and covers almost every subject you could think of : modern fiction, classics, travel, art, cookery, history, sociology, education, children's, travel etc. The staff are clearly book-worms as well and if you do need something not on the shelves they'll order it for you, which takes 10 to14 days. This particular store hosts many author events, as do most Waterstones around the country, being very highly regarded in the publishing world.