The Poetry Pharmacy: A Prescription for the Soul

The Poetry Pharmacy, the world’s first walk-in poetry pharmacy, offers a unique approach to emotional and mental well-being. Instead of simply browsing books, visitors receive personalised “prescriptions” of poetry designed to comfort, uplift, and inspire.

The belief that poetry can heal is at the Poetry Pharmacy’s core. Visitors sit with a “Poetry Pharmacist,” who listens to their emotional concerns—be it anxiety, heartbreak, or daily stress. Based on this conversation, the pharmacist prescribes poems tailored to the visitor’s needs. These prescriptions might include lines from classics or contemporary verses, all chosen for their personal resonance. This service is about connecting with words that address your experience, offering solace or a new perspective. 

The original Poetry Pharmacy is located at 36 High Street, Bishop’s Castle, SY9 5BQ, in a Victorian shop with free parking nearby and accessible via public transport from Craven Arms and Shrewsbury. The Poetry Pharmacy has expanded to London, with a new location on the first floor of the Lush Spa at 175-179 Oxford Street, W1D 2JS, making it more accessible to city dwellers.

“The idea is to take people off the high street who wouldn’t normally come into a poetry bookshop. It’s a bit like a poetry arts centre mixed with poetry Disneyland, so everything is curated by emotional ailment.” — Deborah Alma, Poetry Pharmacy Founder.

The Poetry Pharmacy in Bishop’s Castle

The Poetry Pharmacy in Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire, is a welcoming spot for poetry lovers, housed in a Victorian building known as The Distillery. It hosts a variety of events, including workshops, poetry readings, book launches, and open mic nights, and also offers a range of specialised services, such as Poetry Surgeries and Coaching for Writers. These services provide detailed feedback and support for literary refinement, available both in person and online. Julia Forster’s Zoom coaching sessions help writers overcome creative blocks, with an option for an immersive retreat in mid-Wales.

Upcoming events include the launch of Paul Binding’s The Cloud Messenger, with tickets available online or at the door. Regular activities include monthly poetry workshops with Pat Edwards and Verbatim poetry readings.

The Poetry Pharmacy also boasts an extensive reference library, enriched by contributions from the poetry community, including a collection from the late David Scott. This library features a variety of anthologies, children’s poetry, and books on poetry theory and practice. It is available by appointment, offering a tranquil space with refreshments from the Dispensary Café. The library and workshop space can also be rented for group events, making it a versatile venue for literary and collaborative activities.

“The time and care given to the ‘patient’ is invaluable, the very best tonic, something real and meaningful, never more so than in our present circumstances.” — Pat Edwards, Poetry Pharmacist and Welshpool Poetry Festival Organiser.

The Poetry Pharmacy at Lush Spa Oxford Street

Following the success of the 2023 pop-up at Lush Studio Soho, the Poetry Pharmacy announced a permanent location inside the Lush Spa on Oxford Street. This new space, located on the first floor of one of London’s most iconic streets, serves as a sanctuary for literature, poetry, and self-care.

The emporium features carefully curated literary gifts, books, and poetical remedies designed to soothe the soul. Visitors can enjoy a selection of books and the relaxing atmosphere of the Dispensary Coffee Shop, which serves freshly ground coffee from Hundred House Coffee and an array of teas from the Good and Proper Tea company.

With the Oxford Street branch now open, exciting projects and events are on the horizon. Founder Deb is working on a book with Mark Constantine, scheduled for Spring 2025, which will document the journey to Oxford Street and offer advice to small business owners in the form of poetry prescriptions. A new Radical Rest poetry pill is also set to launch in collaboration with Evie Muir to celebrate her upcoming book of the same name.

Several exciting events are planned for London. The Primers Poetry Party will celebrate the release of Nine Arches Press’s latest volume, featuring an evening of poetic inspiration and networking opportunities for emerging writers.

Upcoming projects include a Queer Reading group for inclusive literary exploration and Poetry Walks led by Liz Ison. There is also a collaboration with Macmillan on a special project, with more details to come.

“My long term mission has been to bypass the gatekeepers and bring poetry to more people in playful and engaging ways; and I couldn’t have wished for a better place to do it. With the generous support of Lush, now poetry will be on the most famous shopping street in the world!” — Deborah Alma, founder of The Poetry Pharmacy.