5 Independent Bookshops You Must Visit In London
Are you a book lover? London is home to a wide variety of independent bookshops that are full of character and charm. Nothing beats getting lost in the pages of a book or lusting over the interior of a beautiful bookstore, and you don’t have to go far to find one. Here are 5 bookstores that are waiting to be discovered.
DAUNT BOOKS, MARYLEBONE
Although there are six branches, Daunt Books’ flagship store in Marylebone is undoubtedly the most striking (and most Instagrammable)! It’s situated in a former Edwardian bookshop from 1910, which was believed to be the first custom-built bookshop in the world.
The store features a central atrium with beautiful stained-glass windows that illuminate three floors of long oak bookshelves with light. It’s a travel bookshop at heart but the selection goes far deeper than your standard Lonely Planet Guide Book. You’ll also find a range of novels, children’s books and cookbooks.
I love that the books are categorised by geographical destination, evoking a real sense of wanderlust. With its homely feel and friendly, knowledgeable staff, Daunt Books makes for a very pleasant browsing experience, which can be so rare to find these days.
LIBRERIA, SPITALFIELDS
If the vibrant, yellow bookshelves inside Libreria Bookshop are not enough to entice you in, then perhaps the contents on the shelves will. Libreria takes pride in the arrangement of its shelves, which are sorted according to themes like ‘Enchantment for Disenchanted,’ ‘Wanderlust’ and ‘The City’ so you’re able to stumble upon titles you might not have come across otherwise.
I’ve definitely been guilty of heading to one part of a bookshop without browsing other sections before. However, Libreria gives you the freedom to roam freely and instinctively pick up a book rather than feeling the need to stick to a certain genre.
Everything about this bookshop screams innovative with its handmade shelves, bespoke lamps, furnishings and little nooks to take a seat in. It’s hard not to feel happy being surrounded by all that yellow too!
It comes as a surprise for many that Libreria operates a no-phone policy (yes, you can sneak in a photo!) but a break from digital distractions is needed to really appreciate the beauty inside. You’ll probably leave with a new book in tow and some serious interior design inspiration.
PERSEPHONE BOOKS, HOLBORN
If you walk into this bookstore, you’ll likely find an author you’ve never heard of before. This is because Persephone Books reprints fiction and non-fiction works by neglected female (mostly) authors from the late 19th and 20th century. The name of the shop is a nod to the Greek Goddess, Persephone, who was the daughter of Zeus and a symbol of creativity and new beginnings.
Each book is beautifully published with a signature grey cover, fabric endpaper and matching bookmark. Like the muted grey tone of the books, the interior of the shop is unfussy, giving it a quaint and nostalgic feel. Vintage posters hang on the wall and the outside is just as photo-worthy as the inside.
The choice of books can be overwhelming, with 137 to choose from, but the staff are brilliant at giving recommendations. Each book is £13 each or £33 for three. If not a purchase for yourself, a book from Persephone is the perfect present!
WORDS ON THE WATER, KINGS CROSS
Quirky would be the best word to describe this floating bookstore. Words on the Water is located close to Granary Square on a charming Dutch barge and is packed with an array of new and second-hand titles.
Although this bookstore is situated in the hustle and bustle of Kings Cross, there is a real authentic and slow feel inside with a fireplace and rugs – it’s so cosy you’ll feel like dropping everything and taking a nap. It’s even open every day come rain or shine.
The outdoor roof of the boat holds all sorts of events like jazz and poetry performances – and if that wasn’t enough, there’s a very friendly resident dog who may be there to greet you.
LONDON REVIEW BOOKSHOP, BLOOMSBURY
The London Review Bookshop is only a short distance away from the British Museum but it’s a haven from the crowds. Spanning 2 floors, its shelves are filled with a diverse collection of over 20,000 titles ranging from contemporary fiction and poetry to philosophy, cookery, history and children’s books.
You’ll also find a unique collection of magazines and the basement has a few cosy spots to sit. The shop even hosts literary events ranging from readings, discussions and debates – there’s literally something for everyone.
Books are brilliant but books and cake together are a winning combination. The Cake Shop is located next door and can also be accessed via a corridor inside the history section of the bookstore. It’s the perfect setting to get stuck into a book, have a chat and you guessed it – consume cake!
Written by Ameera Patel
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