Below is a list of the top and leading Bookstores in London. To help you find the best Bookstores located near you in London, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
London’s Best Bookstores:
The top rated Bookstores in London are:
- London – Hatchards – Piccadilly – has been posting books to the four corners of the globe
- Persephone Books – reprints neglected fiction and non-fiction by the mid-twentieth century
- Waterstones – is Europe’s largest bookshop offering a peerless selection of titles across every genre
- Lutyens & Rubinstein – founded in 2009 by literary agents Sarah Lutyens and Felicity Rubinstein
- London Review Bookshop – has established itself as a fundamental part of the capital’s cultural life
London – Hatchards – Piccadilly
London – Hatchards – Piccadilly has been posting books to the four corners of the globe for over two centuries, ensuring that anyone, whether they are in Bath or the Bahamas, is able to appreciate the greatest literature available. Books are, of course, wonderful gifts. Their free gift-wrapping service just makes the process that bit easier, with their beautiful brown wrapping paper and signature ribbon creating a truly beautiful present for you to give, stress-free.
Similarly, their expert booksellers are able to source those difficult-to-find first editions or out-of-print titles that would complete your collection, whatever the budget. A Hatchards gift card is a marvelous present for the problematic bibliophile in your life. Whether you are giving £5 or £500, a gift card ensures you get all the credit, without the stress of picking the correct title.
Products/Services:
Worldwide Delivery, Free Signature Gift-Wrapping, Book Sourcing, Hatchards Gift Cards, Events, Subscriptions, Catalouges, Signed & First Editions, Books
LOCATION:
Address: 187 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9LE
Phone: 20 7439 9921
Website: www.hatchards.co.uk
REVIEWS:
“Massive selection of books and genres, staff are really helpful and friendly.” – David T.
Persephone Books
Persephone Books reprints neglected fiction and non-fiction by the mid-twentieth century most women writers. All of their 137 books are intelligent, thought-provoking, and beautifully written and are chosen to appeal to busy people wanting titles that are neither too literary nor too commercial. They published; such as novels, short stories, diaries, memoirs, and cookery books that have a stylish grey jacket, a ‘fabric’ endpaper with matching bookmark, and a preface by writers such as Jilly Cooper, David Kynaston, and Elaine Showalter. The Persephone shop and office are located in Lamb’s Conduit Street. Their Grade II Listed building was built in 1702–3 and for some years was on the northern edge of London.
Products/Services:
Books, Book Tokens, Book Subscription, The Persephone Box Set, NOtebook, Classics, Ebooks, Audiobooks, Catalogue, Events
LOCATION:
Address: 59 Lamb’s Conduit St, Holborn, London WC1N 3NB
Phone: 20 7242 9292
Website: www.persephonebooks.co.uk
REVIEWS:
“Excellent books and customer care, I would highly recommend Persephone Books to anyone! Royal Mail has damaged my books in transit, and Mary was wonderful in taking care of the issue: she took the time and care to wrap the new books before she sent them to me to ensure they arrive in perfect condition this time. Much appreciated.” – Melinda T.
Waterstones
Waterstones is Europe’s largest bookshop offering a peerless selection of titles across every genre. There is truly something to be found for even the most perceptive of readers, from their flagship Fiction, Travel, History, and Art sections or from across the wider branch. They are particularly proud of their Children’s section, modeled on a (Piccadilly) Circus theme and full of activities and events as well as the latest releases and old favourites.
Their friendly and knowledgeable booksellers are more than happy to assist you in exploring their shop and taking advantage of the many services they offer. These include their diverse and relaxed events programme, from Hillary Clinton to small launches and readings with the Royal Academy, as well as their complimentary gift-wrapping service and competitive worldwide shipping.
Products/Services:
Fiction, Travel, History & Art sections, Non-Fiction, Children’s, Stationery & Gifts
LOCATION:
Address: 203-206 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9HD
Phone: 20 7851 2400
Website: www.waterstones.com
REVIEWS:
“One of the biggest manga collection s in London.” – Aseem B.
Lutyens & Rubinstein
Lutyens & Rubinstein founded in 2009 by literary agents Sarah Lutyens and Felicity Rubinstein, sell fiction and general non-fiction with special sections for children’s books, poetry, and art books. Shop Manager Claire Harris and Events Manager Tara Spinks has been with them from the start, with support from Children’s Buyer Caroline Eade, and Bookseller Veronica Faulks. The focus is on excellence in writing and narrative across a broad range of genres.
The core stock was put together by campaigning hundreds of readers – writers, publishing contacts, friends both adults and children about which books they would most like to find in a bookshop. Every book stocked has its location because somebody loves it and has recommended it.
Products/Services:
Fiction & General Non-Fiction, Children’s Books, Poetry, Art Books,
LOCATION:
Address: 21 Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2EU
Phone: 20 7229 1010
Website: www.lutyensrubinstein.co.uk
REVIEWS:
“The best bookstore with friendly staff and lovely atmosphere. Recommended!” – Max W.
London Review Bookshop
London Review Bookshop has established itself as a fundamental part of the capital’s cultural life. The London Review of Books which opened in 2003 is a spot for people who love books to meet, talk, drink excellent tea and coffee, consume delicious cake, and of course, browse. Their aim has always been to represent on their shelves the distinctive ethos of the Review – intelligent without being pompous; engaged without being partisan.
If you aren’t able to visit them in person, they hope their website will give you a flavour of what makes the shop unique. If you are able to join them in Bury Place, they look forward to finding you the books you know you need, and more importantly, the ones you didn’t know you needed.
Products/Services:
Literature, Contemporary Fiction, Poetry, History, Politics, Philosophy, Cookery, Essays & Children’s Books.
LOCATION:
Address: 14-16 Bury Pl, Holborn, London WC1A 2JL
Phone: 20 7269 9030
Website: www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk
REVIEWS:
“I love this bookshop. The location is great, just near the British Museum. I go there every time I’m in London, it’s so easy to feel at home The poetry stock is fantastic, it’s easy to browse every section of the shop and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. There are late shopping nights when free drinks are available. There are readings and events, which I’ve enjoyed greatly even when I knew no-one, it doesn’t feel cliquey. There is a tea shop, which serves beautiful tea and food, but it’s very small, the tables are really close together, so conversations do invade each other.” – Lindsey S.