Tuesday, March 19, 2024

London’s Cosiest Bookshops To Explore On Winter Afternoons
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HomeDestinationsEuropeLondon’s Cosiest Bookshops To Explore On Winter Afternoons
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Unlike some other major cities, London still has plenty of unique, independent bookshops, each with its own individual aesthetic and character. Here’s a selection of some of the city’s cosiest ones for you to check out this winter.

Libreria Bookshop

It’s surprising how many books have been crammed into this tiny, modern bookseller, which is strategically placed on a quiet street off Brick Lane. There are plenty of reading nooks throughout the store, but be warned: no Wi-Fi is available and a strict “no phone” policy is in place; you really are there for the books! When you make a purchase at Libreria, you even have the option of stamping it with the shop’s logo – a great touch if you like to remember where you bought your books.

Persephone Books

Persephone Books reprints neglected literature authored by twentieth century women. Every book is the same soft, blue-grey color. Open one, however, and you’ll find a beautiful pattern specifically chosen for that individual work. This small shop also acts as the publishing HQ, and if you look past the cash register you can see boxes and boxes of books travelling in and out of the shop. There is only one seat in the shop for reading, but just outside is littered with beautiful coffee shops to bring your new book into.

London Review Bookshop

The London Review Bookshop, located very close to the British Museum, is a fantastic place to both socialise and check out the latest and greatest literature the city has to offer. The shop has been a staple of the Bloomsbury neighborhood since it’s opening in 2003, and the passionate clientele will be sure to tell you all about it. There are couches downstairs if you feel like relaxing and reading, or perhaps you can head next door to the London Review Cake Shop, if you feel peckish.

Daunt Books

Daunt Books has been on the London bookshop scene since 1990, and its beautiful interiors also make it one of the most photogenic. Originally custom-built in 1912 as an antiquarian bookseller, the store was later purchased and repurposed by John Daunt, who had intended for it to house travel books. There are plenty of chairs to park yourself on, as well as longstanding customers to chat with inside. Daunt now has eight locations under its umbrella, but its Marlyebone location remains the most famous.

Hatchards

Hatchards is London’s oldest bookshop, and has been sitting in Piccadilly since 1797, though it did move a few buildings down in 1801. The ownership has changed hands in the last few decades, with the store being recently purchased by Waterstones. Walking past it, however, you may feel you’ve been transported back to the 18th century. There’s plenty to see inside as well, with four stories of books to experience, and plenty of comfy, worn chairs and couches scattered throughout.

Great bookshops for a cosy winter!

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