There's long been an affiliation between authors and watering dens: Chaucer, Samuel Pepys, CS Lewis and Dylan Thomas are, but no name a few, writers who met, wrote and were inspired by their locals. Add to that the vast majority of Irish literary figures – in fact, tourists to the city of Dublin can even partake in a literary pub-crawl to pay homage to the long-standing pub/ writer relationship.

It makes perfect sense then that Jo Eames of Peach Pubs is choosing to celebrate this partnership by branching out into publishing. The incentive for the expansion is that Eames, as well as being wine buyer for the group, is also a writer, and has just written her own novel. Rather than going with mainstream publishers she decided to set up a small independent company that will enable her to sell her work direct. Pub goers will certainly be benefitting from this decision, as The Faithless Wife – an exploration of Menorca during the Spanish Civil War –will be available to buy at each of the group’s 13 pubs, with £1 from the cover price of £9.99 being donated to Cancer Research.

Beyond publishing, Peach Pubs are keen to foster reading in all of their pubs generally, and are especially keen that book clubs consider hosting their meets at Peach Pub venues.

News item from Imbibe.com, 01-06-2010 (updated 04-06-2010)