There’s nothing like the smell of paper, the crunch of opening a new hardback, the feeling of running your fingers over shelves full of fresh books. If you, like me, are an “audiobooks just aren’t the same” kind of person, then keep reading – because, I’m about to let you in on London’s hidden treasure chests of literary gems. From spots where you can enjoy a coffee and cake in, to architectural feats – book shops aren’t a thing of the past full of dusty covers and ‘no talking’ signs, they’re a cultural hub for Londoners.

BURLEY FISHER BOOKS Burley Fisher Books is my go-to haunt for inspiration. It houses a lot of independently published books, poetry collections galore, and has the nicest staff in London. Who, to add the cherry on top will make you a mean cappuccino. When you’re stuck in a rut and don’t know what to read next, or if you’re a writer and want some challenging literature, Burley Fisher is the place for you.
STOKE NEWINGTON BOOKSHOP You’ll see this bright blue storefront from half a mile down Stoke Newington High-street, but don’t be fooled – this store isn’t style over substance – they won the coveted LBC/Independent Newspaper Best Bookshop in London award in 2004. Have to bring the kids with you? Don’t worry, a few doors down they have a Toys & Books shop for children that’s a sensory explosion.
LIBRERIA Liberia is an architectural experience as much as it is a bookshop, inspired by Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges’s Library of Babel, it tricks the mind with mirrored ceilings and wall-to-wall bookshelves. The short story conceives of a universe in the form of a never-ending library, and Libreria definitely succeeds in bringing that feeling to life.
DAUNT BOOKS Got the travel bug? Then get yourself down to Daunt Books! This store’s point-of-difference is that it matches travel guides with the best literature from that part of the world – basically, if you want to be immersed in the culture you’re visiting then this is the best place to start. The original shop, based in Marylebone, is our favourite of their franchises, for its extravagant stained glass windows and oak balconies.
THE LONDON REVIEW BOOKSHOP For more options than any book worm could possibly need, London Review Bookshop is an overwhelming mecca of over 20,000 titles. While you peruse the endless titles, grab yourself a coffee and slice of cake there too.
THE NOTTING HILL BOOKSHOP You might not bump into Hugh Grant, as the Richard Curtis classic film would suggest, but this bookshop will still give you all the feels. Unlike said film, it doesn’t just stock travel books, but a diverse array of genres. Just make sure you’re prepared to be featuring in the background of a tourist’s photograph if you visit here.