For the love of books: The best independent book shops in London

London definitely doesn't have a shortage of book shops and in celebration of World Book Day, we thought we'd go through ten of the very best you'll find in the city. All independent, we have some that are hyper-specific to certain interests and some great all-rounders too. Have a browse of these when you get the chance.

 

New Beacon Books

Found on Stroud Green Road on Finsbury Park, New Beacon Books holds a special place as the only independent black publishing and bookselling entity in the UK. It is so treasured that when it was recently facing closure due to economic pressure, £80,000 was raised to make sure it kept going.

 

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Brick Lane Bookshop

Located in Tower Hamlets, Brick Lane Bookshop has been around since 1978 and has left a huge impression on those who have visited it. They often publish their own books and they have a short story collection that you can't miss. A great all-rounder, you won't be let down here.

 

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Primrose Hill Books

Definitely not the kind of place you're going to miss when walking down the street, it is located just a 2-minute walk away from one of the most stunning viewpoints you'll get of London. So if you want to pick up a book and then spend a few minutes feeling like the main character in London then this is for you.

 

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The Notting Hill Bookshop

Yes, this is actually THE bookshop that Hugh Grant's character works at in the film Notting Hill. Well, it's based on this one anyway and it did indeed used to only sell travel books but has since expanded its repertoire to suit deeper realms of non-fiction and now som fiction too.

 

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Books for Cooks

This bookshop does exactly what it says on the tin. If you're a chef or fancy yourself a kitchen wizz then head down to Notting Hill. Here you'll find all manner of recipes from chefs new and old, a place where alchemy is encouraged as you plot your next kitchen experiment. 

 

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Gay's the Word

The UK's oldest LGBT book shop, this place has seen its fair share of history. Set up in 1979 by a group of gay socialists, it has always served as a community space where all the profits go back into the business. You won't find a place more dedicated to LGBTQ literature and knowledge.

 

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Bookmarks

When you realise that this is a left-wing bookshop, you realise the very obvious pun in the name of Bookmarks. So dedicated it is to socialism that it has inevitably come under attack by far-right thugs but the building stands proudly as a beacon of socialist thought and political knowledge. 

 

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Bookbar

Love books and the odd drink? Well, why not combine the two? Bookbar is the best of both worlds where you can browse a fine literary collection and then have a nice sit-down and a drink to truly enjoy your selection. With friendly staff and a lovingly crafted space, you'll feel at home here.

 

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Gosh!

One of the most unique spaces on the list, this is where you can go to get your comic fix. You'll be able to browse a stunning range of stories here, from action to romance and mystery. If you like a more visual style to enjoy a narrative then get stuck into some comics. 

 

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Word on the Water

Not only is this a beautiful store, but it is also a brilliant date idea too. Often mooring itself by King's Cross, head down to the canal and you'll find this lovingly crafted barge with a selection that ranges from photography to classics, contemporary fiction and children's books. 

 

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