Whisking up a new menu for Kemps Cooks

Aim: Help launch Kemps Cooks -a unique food bookshop inspiring all ages, teaching kids about food, and building a vibrant community hub.

Our Story

At Kemps, we firmly believe in the power of books to unite people, ignite curiosity, and nourish the soul. Over the past five years on our High Street, we've witnessed this firsthand. Today, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter: Kemps Cooks, a specialist cookery and food writing bookshop right in the heart of Malton, North Yorkshire.

Malton is already celebrated as Yorkshire’s food capital, and we’re eager to enhance that identity by crafting a welcoming space where culinary creativity and literature intertwine. Picture a haven filled with beautifully written food memoirs, histories, and a plethora of recipe books - all designed to inspire. We'll also showcase beautiful and giftable ceramics and kitchenware, adding to the rich tapestry of what we offer.

But Kemps Cooks will be more than just shelves brimming with beautiful books (though we will certainly have plenty of those). It’s to be a lively community hub where people can learn, share, and connect. You can join us for our monthly "Round the Kitchen Table" discussions, author events, and seasonal displays, all aimed at celebrating the joy of cooking and the culture of food.

Big News for Little Foodies!

We’re particularly excited about our special section dedicated to children. At Kemps, we believe the journey of learning about food and cooking should begin early -and it should be joyous, creative, and confidence-building.

Our mission is to foster a positive relationship between children and food, helping them understand where it comes from, take pride in their culinary creations, and be inspired by stories that link food, family, and culture.

While we are a bookshop first and foremost - championing reading for all ages - this part of the store will be especially dear to us. Through our Crowdfunder, we're also pledging to donate a collection of foodie books to local school libraries, spreading our love of food, reading, and creativity within our community.

Let’s nurture the next generation of curious cooks and thoughtful eaters together!

We’ve witnessed how vibrant bookshops can invigorate a high street. With your support, we can create an entire experience that celebrates food, inspires all ages, and transforms into a must-visit destination.

Our Vision

 To establish a distinctive and unforgettable food bookshop where visitors can browse, be inspired, savour stories, and read.

• To enhance food knowledge and appreciation, especially among children, through events, literature and storytelling.
• To provide a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike, featuring community engagement, author talks, tastings, and more.
• To honour local food culture while connecting it to global narratives.

How You Can Help

We are passionately dedicated to making our Kemps Cooks project a reality, and we're excited to share that construction is already underway! No stopping us now!

Now, you have the incredible opportunity to elevate our vision and help us open our doors on day one with an inspiring and remarkable space that reflects the heart and soul of our beloved Kemps Bookshop.

Your support will enable us to:

• Curate an unparalleled collection of food and cookbooks, establishing us as the ultimate destination for culinary titles, both online and offline.
• Collaborate with local artisans to craft stunning installations and display pieces that will enhance the enchanting atmosphere of our shop.
• Create a vibrant, child-friendly area designed to ignite the passions of young food enthusiasts and nurture their love for cooking.
• Transform our vision from just another bookshop into an extraordinary community hub - one that captivates and inspires from the moment we open our doors.

No matter if you donate £10 or £1,000, every contribution is a vital part of bringing this dream to life. By joining us, you’re engaging in something truly meaningful - not just a new shop, but a vibrant new chapter for food lovers, readers, and our entire community.

Let’s embark on this exciting journey together! Join us in building Kemps Cooks, a place where stories and food come alive! 

This project successfully funded on 16th June 2025