Top book(ish) places to go in London
We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite bookshops in London, but we’re always looking for new recommendations so let us know yours!
BookBar, N5
Wine bar meets bookshop = heaven. This is one of our favourite spots ever in London, the bookshop is run by a lovely person called Chrissy who gives excellent recommendations and is always super friendly and welcoming. They also have great events and book signings and you’ve got to be quick to sign up because they sell out super quickly! The place should come with a warning though… drinking wine surrounded by books means you *will* buy more than you intend to… genius basically!
Pages of Hackney, E5
You can find this friendly community bookshop on the Lower Clapton Road filled with an eclectic mix of books that are accessible and inclusive. What’s great about Pages is that they support the issues and authors they believe in and actively give a platform to marginalised voices. Downstairs in the basement you can find an incredible selection of second hand books curated by Field books; it also has a cosy little book nook too. Fun fact: Elle likes to visit after a long day working preloved and vintage wholesale markets.
Round Table Books, SW9
This tiny little bookshop tucked into Brixton Village is such a great place. An inclusion-led bookshop celebrating underrepresented children’s books, writers and illustrators the shop stocks books from a really diverse range of publishers and although the bookshop’s focus is children’s books, it stocks plenty of adult fiction too (and often boasts a great window display).
Daunt Books, W1U
It can’t be a list of bookshops in London without mentioning the one and only Daunt Books. This bookshop is super magical, with the famous long oak galleries, and whilst we do try to shop at independent bookshops as much as possible, we have to admit this one is still truly worth a visit!
Bookmongers, SW9
Another gem in Brixton, bookmongers is the place to go for second-hand book lovers. It’s full of stacks and stacks of second-hand books, so it’s a sure bet for finding something you need (or want!). There’s also a very friendly cat there sometimes so what more could you possibly want?
John Sandoe, SW3
Tucked off a backstreet in Chelsea, this bookshop is an absolute joy to stumble across. There’s just honestly books *everywhere* and it feels like you could stare at the piles for hours and hours before choosing what to go home with. And, fun fact, Kath bought her copy of Ghosts by Dolly Alderton from this bookshop (aka the book that started book(ish) off!)
Herne Hill Bookshop, SE24
Is this the tiniest bookshop ever? Maybe. Is it the cutest place ever? Possibly. If you’re ever heading towards Brockwell park on a sunny day, make sure to take a little detour to this little hidden gem.
Another place for a second hand book or two is the Southbank book market. Situated under the bridge arches, the book market sets up every day with hundreds of second hand books to browse. Think old school penguin classics and plenty on Instagram opportunities.