After the disaster that was the ExCeL center, the move to Earls Court this year (along with the unseasonably balmy London weather) is getting approval in almost all corners. Publishing News reports that exhibitors and visitors applauded the wider aisles – some even boasted plants – and the light and airiness of Earls Court. The building is a smoke-free zone, a fact that also won approval. Catering was praised – Vivienne Wordley, Commercial Director of Foyles, commented favourably on the quality of the food available at the tapas bar for example. A Transworlder thought the International Rights Centre looked like a battery hen coop but, more importantly, most of those actually using it felt positively about it.
The Bookseller also rounds up reaction from the floor. “The whole atmosphere’s wonderful. If you’re going to have an airless aircraft hangar, better to have it here than wherever that other place is at the end of the Underground line,” said Rachel Cugnoni, publishing director of Vintage. Will Atkinson, sales director, Faber added that he liked it so far because “at least I didn’t have to queue for 20 minutes to get a cup of coffee.” And Transworld‘s Selina Walker was most succinct: “It’s miles better than last year.”