London’s bookshop scene is as diverse and enchanting as the city itself. Back in March, I embarked on a literary journey through some of the capital’s most intriguing bookstores, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you. Whether you’re a local book lover or a visitor searching for the perfect read, these shops offer something unique.
Skip to each bookshop:
- The Riverside Bookshop – Tooley Street
- Foyles – Charing Cross Road
- Henry Pordes Books – Charing Cross Road
At the end of the blog I also go over all the books I contemplated buying and the books I bought!
My London Bookshop Tour Video
Explore London’s book shops with me! Watch my vlog and discover charming reading spots.
The Riverside Bookshop: A Hidden Gem
📍 Tooley Street
Nestled across from London Bridge Station, The Riverside Bookshop is a charming find. This quaint London bookshop offers a diverse selection, from new releases and beloved classics to fiction and poetry.
Experience: The intimate size of the shop provides a cosy atmosphere perfect for leisurely browsing. Although the downstairs section is smaller and tends to get busy, the upstairs area is inviting and calm. It’s an ideal place to immerse yourself in a relaxed setting and engage with friendly staff.
Highlights:
- A welcoming atmosphere and personable staff.
- Great selection of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
Downside:
- The romantasy section is quite limited.
Recommendation: Despite its small romantasy section, The Riverside Bookshop comes highly recommended for its unique and personalized shopping experience.
Foyles
📍Charing Cross Road
Foyles is a literary haven on Charing Cross Road, standing out as one of the largest bookstores I’ve ever visited. With six floors dedicated to various genres and interests, it’s a must-visit for book enthusiasts.
Experience: Start your journey on the ground floor, which features bestsellers, graphic novels, and manga. Each subsequent floor offers a different experience—fiction, art supplies, history, educational resources, and more. The fifth floor has a cosy café, perfect for a bookish break. Don’t miss the sixth floor’s calendar of literary events!
I visited this book shop thinking it was an independent… it’s not!!! It was sold to Waterstones a few years ago, this is such a shame because it feels like Waterstones are slowly monopolising book buying.
Highlights:
- Extensive range of genres and resources.
- Manga section and a lovely café.
Downside:
- The dark romance section is relatively small.
Recommendation: Foyles is highly recommended for its vast selection and the overall bookstore experience. It’s a fantastic destination for book lovers and manga enthusiasts alike.
Henry Pordes Books
📍Charing Cross Road
Henry Pordes Books is a notable second-hand bookstore in the lively Charing Cross Road area. It’s a treasure trove for those interested in older and first-edition books.
Experience: The store specialises in classical literature and first editions. If you’re looking for unique or rare finds, this is the place to visit. However, it wasn’t the ideal stop for me on that day.
Highlights:
- Extensive collection of older and first-edition books.
Downside:
- Limited selection of modern books.
- The staff weren’t that friendly.
Recommendation: Ideal for collectors and those interested in classic literature or first editions. It may not be for everyone, but it’s worth a visit for the right book enthusiast.
Books I Contemplated Buying
Here are some books I seriously considered but didn’t pick up yet. If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
- The Knight and Its Moon by Piper CJ 🌙 A trilogy about separated sisters with magical elements.
- Bound by Sara L. Arifi 🌌: A fantasy romance involving exiled sisters and fae lands.
- Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson 🎨: A story about a painter and a lonely girl whose lives intertwine.
- Bunny by Mona Awad 🐰: A dark fantasy with a sorority twist.
- Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Suwaga🍡: A heartwarming story about a sweet shop and an unlikely friendship.
- Death by Laura Felasa💀: A dark romance, though it’s the fourth in a series.
Books I Bought
Here are some books I seriously considered but didn’t pick up yet. If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
- The book of Azreal by Amber V. Nicole 🔥: A highly praised new release. I can’t wait to dive into this enemies-to-lovers fantasy. [note after I wrote this blog – I have read this book and it is AMAZING! Highly recommend it if you love a book with a morally grey badass FMC].
- A Caught This Cruel and Lovely by Stasa Stark 🖤: A unique fantasy where powers are considered corrupt. The plot sounds captivating.
- The House with the Golden Door by Ed Harper 🚪: The second book in The Wolf Den series. After enjoying the first book, I’m excited to continue the story.
Unfortunately, I found that prices for some books were inflated in-store compared to online retailers, which is a factor to consider when shopping. I often find better deals through sites like World of Books, which offer both new and second-hand options.
Until next time
My March bookshop adventure was a delightful experience, showcasing the rich variety of bookstores London has to offer. Each shop had its own charm and unique offerings, making them well worth a visit. Whether you’re exploring hidden gems like The Riverside Bookshop or immersing yourself in the expansive world of Foyles, there’s always something new to discover.
Feel free to share your thoughts or recommendations for other bookshops and must-read titles.
Happy reading!
In the meantime, check out my Youtube channel, TikTok and Pinterest boards for funny memes, book aesthetics, and more book recommendations and reviews!
