Diss Publishing Bookshop and Cafe in South Norfolk

A small independent book shop. Friendly enough. 😊

Nice shop with a variety of gifts, cards books, games etc. Something for everyone and the ideal place to find an interesting gift for someone.

Delightful bookshop with lovely staff. Well worth a visit!

Came in for a happy wonder around the shop, I saw something I thought was funny and took and picture to send to my partner. I was immediately approached by a lady who got quite in my face saying I can’t take pictures. I apologised profusely, but clearly this wasn’t enough as she kept on at me. After she finally turned away she then approached me again pointing at my coffee cup that was empty in my hand. By this point (and I’d only been in for a couple of minutes) I decided this shop wasn’t worth my time. Clearly I wasn’t welcome, and by the looks of the other reviews, the staff pick and choose who that want in. Rude and un-welcoming.

The owner of this shop believes that she can make the rules dependant on the customers that are shopping at the time. One day the lady can be smiling and the next she can be rude, abrupt and confrontational asking customers to leave the shop when customers have not done anything wrong, I believe it’s just because she doesn’t believe that those customers fitted her ‘client base’ that she wished for. The shop only wants money and doesn’t care for the service that is provided. Do not visit there or support this business who is more than happy to make their customers feel uncomfortable and unwanted.

Walked into the shop this morning. My mum was on the phone whilst I was choosing Christmas Cards. Racist owner and manager lady walked up to Me and told Me that My phone call was annoying and that I should take it outside. She had no empathy or kindness, and then she denies calling Me and My call annoying. Do not recommend at all. Bad service.

When we're on holiday it's nice to look around bookshops,quite honestly nearly always end up buying a book or something related to reading,even managed to park pretty close which was fortuitous. When we have been on the East Coast before we have dropped into this very nice shop and bought stuff,on this occasion you did not have the book I was looking for but you kindly offered to get it for me within two days which you did. Thank you very much,see you soon.

Went to this shop with my mum who has a very small mobility scooter, no bigger than a push chair really, was told by staff that scooters are not allowed. My mum was only told yesterday that her cancer is now not curable. My mum was in tears. The staff was very apologetic and said that it was management that had said this. This is outrageous and very discriminatory against disabled people. I will never go into this shop again. Very angry 😡

Use this local Localshop not just for books but for cards, wrapping paper, interesting gifts, occasionally artists paint. Never visited the café…so can’t comment. Shop staff always helpful and polite, jovial between themselves (!), but that hopefully means they’re happy where they work. That says much for this moment in time. At least they have survived the Pandemic and not succumbed to going into decline because of... We should feel privileged to have a lovely independent “book’ shop that has learnt how to diversify in this ‘modern’ world.

Decided to try this pop up cafe, like to support local businesses. £3.50 for a cup of tea (rather small cup and saucer) and a biscuit. Waited a while then asked for the biscuit as I never got it. Then noticed other tables being served teas also without biscuits..... Do you only actually get it if you ask, despite paying for it? Better value if a teapot and able to get a couple of cups for the price. The salad and quiche was disappointing; tasted ok but very small serving. Felt overpriced for what we had. Staff polite. Won't be returning, not value for money.

I bought a card and they gave me an old five pound note that is not legal tender as change, and refused to replace it. When I said they could expect a bad review on the internet, they said they were not on the internet and laughed. This has made me appreciate the politeness and honesty of every other shop I can ever remember.

Such helpful, friendly staff. Always willing to give advice and assistance. If its not there, it can be ordered. We're so lucky to have this business in Diss.

I read a rather negative review from a pompous poet lover who was disappointed in this shop’s stock, so I wanted to say my piece and stick up for a shop that is local to me and wonderful in its own right. Diss Publishing is easily my favourite shop of all time, and I knew this from the moment I first stepped through their doors. Due to my work hours, Im often unable to visit during the week, and the temptation to pop in whenever I do happen to pass on weekends is impossible to resist. Not always to buy something, sometimes just to walk around and stare in awe at all of the wonderfully colourful items they have for sale. It’s ironic, really, as I haven’t read a fully fledged book since I was in school, though I keep telling myself I will get back into reading. The shop itself offers so much more than books, and it accommodates for everyone. With the most exquisite ideas for gifts, the most unique and high quality stationary, the simply adorable selection of teddies, and the most welcoming and friendly customer service I have ever experienced; every time I have entered this lovely shop, I have never wanted to leave! Thank you to all the staff for always going out of their way to be helpful, and make each customer feel genuinely valued and recognised in the conversations you have in passing with them. This shop is one of a kind, and I would recommend anyone - bookworm or not - to take a trip inside and try leaving empty handed. I am yet to try their cafe, but Im sure that when I do, it will inevitably bring more irresistible reasons to pop in. What a beautiful little place in the world!

Great shop. Art materials useful to me

My better half loves the shop. Lovely books, cards and a nice tea shop at the rear looking out to the Mear. Definitely a shop to browse . Sadly the tea shop has closed beginning of March 22....after I wrote previous post.

Great for books and the cafe is lovely although I believe its shutting down

Great bookshop and now a fantastic cafe.

We always go here cards as they have such lovely choices. Bring cash if you're going to spend less than £5. (At least I think that was the limit.)

Met up with a friend - we hadn’t seen each other for some time. Bill was expensive for what we had, ‘jokey’ comments passed between multiple staff as we left made me feel that they weren’t happy about how long we had been at the cafe. If they read this it’s okay, we have decided not to go back and will meet up again somewhere else in future.

The staff are good, but dont give you time to browse too much hard sell

Fantastic bookshop, with plenty of titles for all ages, genre and interests. A good range of art materials, greetings cards and gifts. Once you've spent gazillions on tempting publications you can recover and relax in their lovely coffee shop, to succumb to yet more temptation and enjoy a tasty snack overlooking the Mere

We decided to have a shared cheese platter for £12,50 What an over-priced mean meal . Two slices of very thinly sliced bread (down to 3mm one end ) several cheeses , three brown pickles from jars two baby tomatoes four very small lettuce leaves and a very small amount of coleslaw . Probably a 500% profit . This was possibly a one off ,but if it was not customers will soon move on . I was not asked if the meal was satisfactory when I paid ,if I had I would have passed these comments on before leaving.

Lovely bookshop, great range. An asset.

The Coffee House situated at the back of Diss Publishing, is under new management, and it shows. The offering of homemade cakes is wonderful, and they the ones I have tried are very good. The coffee and Walnut is very good, as is the Sicilian Lemon Cake. The tea and coffee is sourced from a local firm Butterworths, and the pastries, and savoury selection are very good. I can recommend the cheese twist baton. Panini's with various fillings are offered at a reasonable price. The views over the mere are very good and the decor helps one to unwind and enjoy the view, or the book you can't wait to read. The cheese scones were so tempting I had to take one away for later. Heartily recommended. A huge improvement on my previous visit.

The bookshop is fabulous but the cafe, which has not been open very long, is mediocre. I had an almond croissant that was burnt on the outside and fridge cold in the middle with tea that was tasteless. Hopefully things will improve.

Helpful & friendly staff with a good range of starionery, books & artists materials.

We have visited the bookshop and cafe twice now. The cafe had only just reopened so still just offered baked goods and drinks The staff were keen to get feedback so they could get it right for their new customers. A lovely terrace to enjoy a break above the Mere made it fun. From Monday there will be more savouries and a salad bar. The bookshop has great staff- more like old friends and some beautiful books. They also sell some gifts so I came away with two books and a white nightie.

Independent bookshop with a wide range of fiction and non fiction including a section of local interest and history Also art supplies; cards; and a plethora of great gifts. New cafe opening with outstanding views of The Mere

Very friendly, enthusiastic and helpful staff. Beautiful variety of cards and gifts..great book selection. May be a bit more pricey but you pay for the individuality and I love the way the shop is merchandised. Be lovely when the coffee shop is back open too.

I do all my christmas shopping here. What more do you need t know? Great book selection for all interests..ok classics section. Nice little art supply section. Good quality craft supplies, games, toys, gadgets. Proper job!

The friendly staff will always help me if I am having difficulty selecting a book and if they don't have what I want they will order it, it usually arrives the next day or a couple of days later. It's a fascinating shop with a wide variety of things to browse and buy and good for choosing cards and presents for special occasions.

What a lovely shop to purchase gifts from!

This is a little god send of a shop if you've forgotten a friend or relatives birthday. It has a beautiful range of cards for all occasions, and lots of little trinkets. There's also a small art & crafts area if you're of the creative side and don't have time to travel to the bigger towns for supplies. Can't forget to mention the staff, always a warm greeting on arrival. X

Wonderful shop. Good selection of books and gifts

The best 'mereside tea rooms 'in diss!! Friendly staff excellent food drinks

Love this shop. I can never go in without buying something

Would like more birthday card choices please, otherwise a 5

An independent book store with a lovely little cafe, books, cards and games. All a few steps from Diss Mere.

Beautiful selection of gifts and cards in store as well as plenty of books. Staff very helpful and knowledgable.

Excellent choice of books, presents etc and very kind, helpful staff

Nice place for coffee with a view of the mere.

Smashing place. Lovely collection of books, Great tearoom. Excellent views of the lake. Everyone friendly. All in all, a great place to visit.

Called in yesterday for tea and cake..huge slice of coffee walnut cake.... Absolutely lovely... Nice yes. Nice staff... Not sure what you do if you need a toilet as didn't see one in there... But will definitely go again.. well done

Expensive, slightly forced atmosphere but worth a wander around if you are in Diss.

Good selection, nice place for a coffee overlooking the Mere. Friendly helpful staff

First class service in ordering for me. Proper bookshop with knowledgeable staff.

Lovely shop for presents, unusual cards and wrapping paper. Along with a nice cafe and lots of books and art supplies.

Lovely bookshop with a homely cafe serving home made cakes. My favourite is the coffee and walnut sponge. The cafe has a nice view over the mere. The only downside of the cafe is it's quite small and often it is difficult to get a seat.

Nice well stocked shop with a different range of items

Has things you need diary paper books paints etc

We popped in just for a cup of tea in what can only be described as an unusual gem of an establishment. It is a bookshop / gift shop / art supplies shop and cafe all rolled into one - with one or two more unusual items on sale. Members of staff were cheerful and helpful, despite our visit being towards the end of the day. We purchased only a cup of team which we enjoyed on a small outside terrace overlooking the adjacent mere. Although there were some good looking cakes on offer, we did not need to eat. Afterwards we spend some enjoyable time investigating the book display inside. How lovely it is that unusual places like this still survive in today’s corporate word. It is well worth a visit and deserves supporting.

Great range of books cafe excellent value

Great little shop, however felt very uncomfortable being watched continuously and even more uncomfortable when I heard the manager speaking to the ladies who work there in the foulest way. Did manage to get a good book though (although pressured to sign up to a mailing list when paying, didn't really want to but the manager wouldn't take no for an answer!).

Always good here staff are friendly and helpful and you can take a break from the shopping in the tea (and cake) shop.

The bookshop is great. The cafe on the other hand no so much. I had the mackerel paté which was nice but the salad was just plain old iceberg lettuce, tomato and cucumber. The bread was cheap. The tea was weak. Nice views of the mere though.

Cromer crab salad in the cafe, delicious. Book shop staff really nice and knowledgeable.

GREAT VIEWS OVER THE PARK AND LAKE SAW A BIG FISH JUMP OUT OF THE WATER MY BE THE INFAMOUS CAT FISH!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE HOT CHOCOLATE. go on you on holiday.....if not on holiday you deserve a treat for all the work you do!!!! :)

A great café with local crab available in season. I had the crab in a salad, but you can have it in a sandwich or baguette. The staff are friendly and very helpful. You may get to observe a local eccentric too which is always amusing!

We like sitting here by the window to watch the Mere and the fountain. There are always loads of ducks and moorhens to see. The scones are good. I didn’t really like the DIY flat white as it was more like a filter coffee. Should have asked for cappuccino instead. You can also get a light lunch and then go to buy a book or a gift.

Lovely local bookshop with good selection of quality books, helpful staff, huge range of stationery and a delightful little cafe beside the Mere.

Hot chocolate and coffee both very good. Scone OK. Good views over lake. Definitely worth going in to for snack. Wish we had had our lunch here rather than at 'Pie and Mash' which was awful.

Everything from books to cards, stationery and gifts. Even has a cafe

Fab to have a books shop in town and all sorts of goodies to be checked out for gifts 🎁

Nnjoy a decent drink, enjoy a few cakes but above all enjoy the lovely view of the Mere. Too much of a gift shop these days rather than a book shop but a good experience-well worth a visit

Very helpful staff. Love looking around the shop. It have gifts ideas cards an craft things. Also a cafe.

Just popped in for a coffee and a sandwich one very cold lunchtime. The coffee was excellent and the paninis we had were both tasty and quick. I just can’t work out why there’s not more people going there. Worth making it your caff of choice in Diss

Delightful gifts, books and coffee shop with a view of the Mere. Definitely worth a visit

Such a lovely place, delightful helpful staff. Always manage to find something of interest for gifts.

Amazing shop with a very interesting collection of books and apparel! The staff are so kind and helpful as well!

Lovely shop and small cafe has beautiful views over the Mere. Cafe only takes cash.

A comprehensive selection of new books for sale. Also various general items, many suitable as gifts. And a small cafe area overlooking the famous Diss Mere.

Very nice bookshop. Very friendly.

Unique quality products and great cafe overlooking the lake. Excellent customer service.

My favourite shop in Diss, selling a nice range of quality books, cards & gifts. You can always find something out of the ordinary here. As a plus there is a very good cafe at the back of the shop, which has great views across Diss mere.

Excellent cafe and they will order any book you require. Well worth a visit. Nice friendly staff as well.

The medieval poet John Skelton is from Diss. There’s a picture of him outside the bookshop on the town sign. You would think therefore that it would be obvious to stock his poetry in the Diss bookshop. But no. The staff had never heard of him and on going to check they said any books by him were out of print and would take weeks to arrive. Not at all true. He is still in print and you can buy his poetry in pretty much any other bookshop in the land. Perhaps it would be better if they just stuck to selling overpriced knick-knacks and cake which they know more about.

I visited the cafe last week. I love the shop and buying books is an addiction. I also enjoyed the cafe in the past as it is wonderful to look out over the mere and drink coffee. I should say that I have been ruined for average coffee by drinking Thistledown Cottage coffee roasted locally. So I was unimpressed by the flavour of the coffee. The cake was very good.However the visit was ruined by the lack of heating in the cafe. The shop was lovely and warm, the cafe not. We drank and we left for better coffee and a warmer retreat for book reading.

Another lovely visit with time to meanda slowly through the book sections and art stuff. Very helpful staff and no pressure to rush or buy. Don't change anything the formula just works. We will be back. 😂

My favorite place in Diss !!! Lovely staff, very nice place with books, arts and crafts items, café, games, cards ...

A very nice place to stop for a drink and a browse, the shop is at the front with lots to look at and the cafe at the back overlooking the Mere which has great cakes and very efficent service.

What a lovely place to browse and take in some good reads, and then a lovely coffee and a relax. Just great, with friendly staff. Thank you for a lovely hour away from the busy life side of things.

Lovely shop full of great books and other things to buy. Super cafe overlooking the mere.

We stopped here to try it out as we have been to all the other cafes in Diss. The service was quick and the coffee cake was very tasty. It was nice to look out at the mere and spot all the different waterfowl. The lady behind the counter was very kind and helpful. Price-wise, it was standard coffee and cake prices.

We like sitting here by the window to watch the Mere and the fountain. There are always loads of ducks and moorhens to see. The coffee and scones are good. You can also get a light lunch and then go to buy a book or a gift.

I like this café if you can get a table near the window. I love to watch the fountain and the birds over the Mere. They have good scones and a good range of coffees. And you can browse the bookshop after eating.

We popped in for a quick lunch but have popped in for coffee in the past. The food was really nice. The cafe isn't big but it's individual and has views over the Mere. It's situated behind the bookshop

Walking along I noticed this gem of a place where the notice outside said they sell Cromer Crab sandwiches . Well I love crab ( but hate tinned crab) so I just had to go in and buy myself a crab sandwich. It was lovely ! The best crab sandwich I have ever tasted and they served it with a small side salad too. The price was reasonable £8 , i've paid a lot more than that in other places , and it had a lovely view outside on the terrace of a nice lake with ducks and swans. Had a nice slice of coconut cake after. ( That's me being greedy ). That was nice as well .very light and moist. I will definatly go there again. ( The books are good too ) I bought a guide book of the wonderful little town DISS !

Very quaint interesting book shop to look around before going through to the cafe. As it was a lovely day we chose to sit outside overlooking the lake.Service was quick and efficient , enjoyable coffee and very nice. Toasted teacake and scones served with jam or butter. .

Well stocked shop full of lovely books and old fashioned toys popular cafe was full when we where there

Nice place to sit and over look the mere. Good cup of coffee, cake delicious and staff all friendly with a nice atmosphere .

A lovely shop, full of very lovely gifts and books.

a really nice place for lunch, afternoon tea or breakfast. very friendly and helpful staff, lovely food and good value.

Wonderful staff and a large selection of books, art supplies and gifts

An Amazing local bookshop! There are not many independent bookshops around anymore and this is such an amazing bookshop with a wide selection of Books, games, arts stationery and even a small cafe at the back facing the beautiful mere.

The food and cakes are good but they can't make a cappuccino, they think it must be boiling to serve. We have burnt mouths. we asked for ours not to be to hot and were told they we can't have froth. A little more training on the machine would be helpful.crab salad is lovely.

Wide range of stationery and arts materials, as well as books and a cafe

Lovely little cafe,great coffee and scones.Depending on where you are seated looks out onto Diss Mere.

Great coffee with a cheese scone in the morning is always a treat but combined with the purchase of a book from an independent store is a perfect treat

Cafe is at the back of a wonderful bookshop selling books, cards, lots of 'gifty' things. Tables in the cafe are all placed so you can see the Mere and fountain. Lovely sandwiches and cakes all at a reasonable price. Definitely worth a visit.

A nice coffee shop situated in a good bookshop. They serve lovely coffee and cakes here and you want find a better view to look at while you relax and enjoy your coffee. A small moan I wish the staff could be quieter with the crockery and glasses behind the counter, a lot of clattering and banging did spoil the atmosphere.