Founded more than 70 years ago, this is one of London’s smallest bookshops and one of the most elegant and individual in the world. It is also one of the most delightfully old-fashioned, with receipts written out by hand.
Old and new books jostle for space but, if you cannot find what you are looking for, one of the hugely urbane staff will order it. Not a place to go if you are looking for ‘three-for-the-price of two’ best-sellers or for memoirs purportedly written by footballers or superchefs, but a quiet reserve for true bibliophiles. Open traditional hours – no 24/7 mania here.
London’s most individual bookshop
Just down a street opposite the British Museum, the London Review Bookshop is a gem.
Just down a street opposite the British Museum, the London Review Bookshop is a gem. Well stocked, particularly considering its apparently small size, and with a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Associated with the London Review of Books, the shop specializes in literature, the arts, politics, history etc. It has a particularly wide range of evening and weekend events such as readings by authors, as well as discount evenings and customer socials. All the details are on their site at www.lrbshop.co.uk.
A further major attraction is the excellent London Review Cake Shop which is, however, not open on Sundays.
The web-site has details of evening events as well as reviews of books.
Normal opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10am – 6.30pm
- Sunday: 12am – 6pm
Established in 1797 and still in its same elegant (if much expanded) premises, and still muzac-free despite being owned by Waterstone’s.
A general bookshop on five floors with a good range of books – including decent art and philosophy sections – and friendly, informative staff
Open seven days a week
www.hatchards.co.uk
