Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the Week: Rova, Christmas Steps
A Bristol hub for all things artisan, indie and print media, Rova provides a bricks-and-mortar space for fans of print, or just those curious enough to venture inside.
Filled with independently published magazines, and stocking titles under a wide umbrella of subjects, the shop encompasses all things graphic media. Each title is hand-selected, emphasizing quality writing and appealing design aesthetics.
In addition to the impressive magazine collection, the tables and shelves are carefully stacked with coffee-table books, design-led stationery and artsy prints.
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You could give yourself some headache trying to read all that Rova has to offer
Stepping into the store, you are met with a striking array of publications – glossy covers, bold typography, and vivid imagery – that cater to all preferences.
Often, Paul, the owner of Rova, is there to welcome you. He is an infectiously enthusiastic, chatty guide, available to assist newcomers to the world of magazines and those with niche queries.
Chatting to Bristol24/7, Paul explained that the shop is “a place of discovery”, adding that “it was always the vision that you would come in and find stuff that you didn’t know existed and never knew you needed”.
Shoppers often leave with unexpected finds after exploring hundreds of niche titles and experimental works.
After seeking a change in career post-Covid, Paul set out to create a shop he wanted to go shopping in, filling a surprising gap in Bristol’s marketplace.
He credits his education in print media to the pre-digital early 80s, noting that “print was everything, you didn’t have the internet”.
“All your information came from whatever reading material you could get your hands on.”
He adds: “It was the first issue of The Face, the first issue of ID Magazine, you know, both of which are still going today. And that’s where it started.”
Rova is located at 11 Christmas Steps
The Bristol community has welcomed Rova with open arms.
Paul describes the Christmas Steps area as a “mishmash of funny, quirky little businesses” that uplift and support one another and create a genuine sense of community.
The ever-evolving literary collection is led by Bristol’s community, with Paul explaining that “any shop is only going to really work if you’re providing people with what they want”.
The shop’s name, inspired by his children’s names, reflects the idea of creating something that changes based on the customers’ needs.
Rova has also turned into a venue for creative events, hosting magazine launches, panel discussions, and exhibitions.
During Bristol24/7’s interview, students were welcomed in to grab scrap magazines for their collaging projects and events.
Stocking popular magazines from across the world
Since opening in 2022, Rova has been a champion of Bristol creatives, stocking its shelves with homegrown titles such as the leftist magazine Left Cultures, the folklore-focused Hellebore and the food-oriented Pit.
Rova’s interior design also reflects this independent spirit, featuring hand-painted lettering from Bedminster-based Tozer Signs and bespoke tables from Arc Makers.
With its curated selection of rare and distinctive items, Rova, as Paul describes it, is “a great place to discover stuff”.
Rova, 11 Christmas Steps, Bristol, BS1 5BS.
All photos: Rosa Gilder
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