As far as chain bookstores go this Foyles is a great place to find the most up to date edition of any particular book that you are looking for. The also have a cafe on the top floor and a small art exhibition area. It's a good stop if you want a break from Oxford street to be among books. :) read more

This place is the mother of all bookstores. It has three levels of departments (including fiction/non fiction, art, and guess what else--- a medical department!) I loved the different departments and the layout of this place, it really is pretty good store for you to get all your shopping done in one place. The thing that baffled me though is the 2nd floor medical reference department. Something you hardly see anywhere else! They sold scrubs, steths, shoes, and the most medical books I ever found in one place. My heaven! I could spend hours here. read more

huge book store located very close to Tottenham Court Road. books and amazing stuff on 6 floors. you can also enjoy the foyles cafe (level 5) or the gallery on the 6th floor. great for foreign language, learning materials or children books. great bonus program and very friendly & helpful staff. make sure to check foyles out - you won't be dissappointed! read more

Foyles - Bookstores Near Me - London, XGL

Foyles : Books :: Warren Buffet : Money Powell's, Tattered Cover, Elliott Bay Book Company, Oxford Books (RIP) ... nice, but no cigar. By the time I stepped back into Charing Cross Road, my vision was blurred and my knees wobbly. And it wasn't from the diesel fumes. I stumbled around the way to recover with a coffee in the window at Balans Cafe. You cannot come to London and not stop by this place. Cannot. read more

3 stars as a bookstore; it's just okay. Sure the place is huge, but the selection is poor / disorganized. They say a certain book is in stock, and then it's no where to be found and the excuse is that they carry a "limited" (IE: 1 or 2 per title) amount. Very frustrating, especially if you've called in advance. Also, more staff is needed. I've had trouble on multiple occasions finding a staffer who can help me locate a particular novel. They always seem preoccupied with something else. Once, the book I ended up purchasing was noticeably flipped through. But as I was dying to read it, and it was the last one left, I ended up purchasing it anyway. Sort of disappointing because I like to keep my books in immaculate condition. Pricing is also occasionally off here. I've seen books retail here for £6 - £8 more than at Waterstone's, for no good reason. I don't understand that at all. A recent example would be The Flavour Thesaurus. The cafe doesn't do Foyles any favours. It's always packed (half of the people not eating or drinking anything either) and the one coffee I did manage to get after some copious effort did nothing to heighten my spirits. Perhaps if a band was playing or the stage was in use. Alas. I was tempted to leave two stars for the detestable quality of the toys and other non-book fare available here. I've gifted a small plush once that ended up having a hole in the seam. So embarrassing. The worst was when I purchased holiday crackers last Christmas from Foyle's and they didn't even work. Talk about putting a damper on the holiday spirit. I think I will stick to Waterstone's and ordering from Amazon. read more

One of my favorite spots in London. I wandered in here one evening "just to take a look" and ended up staying for a few hours! Oh, the sheer number of books one can browse is insane. And the layout of the store is pretty cool, too. I ate upstairs in the cafe (a quiche like dish) and it was sooooo tasty. With all the rainy days in London, this is a great place to stop in and enjoy the books. read more

First of all, my gf bought a small travel book guide and it told us the wrong location of Foyle's! This book store brand is super old, which I love because nothing is ever old in the US so of course I was excited. They has my favorite author with different covers here, printer in the UK, so I had to get two! Also, double plus for the associate who gave me directions to used book stores locations!! Definitely come get your books here! read more

For me Foyles is the perfect bridge between the independent book store you can get lost in and those big, old heartless chains like Borders and Waterstones. You know you're not buying into a big chain but also you know it won't take you 2 hours of searching around shops to find the book you want and with their book ordering service and Foyalty card you really can't go wrong. Saying that I can, of course, get lost in this shop drifting mindlessly from Politics to Philosophy through Latin texts and back to the History section. Every time I'm in London I seem to spend £100 or more in this place and I've been known to spend three or four hours just looking and picking up books. As well as the books there's a good selection of your standard book-shop stationary objects on the ground floor, they also stock Smoke a great London .. fanzine I suppose you'd call it. And there's also Ray's Jazz Café a love which could easily spread over into a different review. Saying that I have a few minor gripes. The lifts that go up from the ground floor nearest the entrance smell of god-knows-what and it's really not pleasant. The staff are either super-lovely, friendly, happy and helpful or grumpy and abrupt I have to say it's mostly the former but there are a few of the latter hanging around. Apart from that it's pretty much the perfect place in London to do some serious book shopping without sacrificing liberal guilt or ease of shopping. read more

You love books? Someone you know love books? Then go here. I could write a mass review about how brilliant this place is, the people that work there, the selection of books and the coffee... but you can see from the other reviews I will not be the first. Please visit. You will not regret it. read more

This Foyles would probably be a good place to haunt when I'm dead. The main stairwell sort of smells like a toilet, but that's probably the residue of souls who had that idea before I did. This place is huge! Where else can I get sidetracked from my drama research and end up reading about raising miniature livestock for an hour? I haven't been into the cafe, but the hum of conversation in there is somehow soothing when I'm browsing the cookbook section. The folks manning the register on that floor are also really hilarious if you like eavesdropping. A gem from when I was visiting: one of the ladies explaining why she uses different towels for every part of her body when she dries off after a shower and how obsessive she is about sorting her laundry...and then going on to complain about someone else's picky habits! read more

As a writer there is nothing more peaceful than walking around being surrounded by beautiful and interesting books. What is the best part about this Foyles however? The PIRANHAS. Yes, they have a piranha fish tank in the children's section of the store. Absolutely amazing. The store has other smaller ones around Central London, but this is the best one to visit, having floors upon floors of different types of literature to suite anyone's needs. There is also a small charming cafe that usually is packed. The smells wafting on that floor is all things heavenly. The staff are extremely knowledgable and friendly, if you are looking for a certain type of book (especially if it's a lesser known American author) you should be able to find it here or the staff will direct you to where you can find it. A another fabulous place to visit on Charring Cross road. read more

Foyles. Who is Foyles? Is he a bookselling god from the heavens that has bestowed upon the human race a place where book nerds from anywhere can get high off the fragrance of paper and ink that the endless array of glorious stock radiates in this fine store? Has to be. Only a deity can create such an awesome atmosphere for book lovers. Any title that you can possibly want can be found here. The staff is really helpful too, so if you get lost or you need some suggestions they'll be happy to assist you with your inquiry. They also hold events from time to time, so whether you want to attend a book signing or a meeting with the Basket Weaving Society of Greenwich you're in luck with this place. read more

Foyles - Bookstores Near Me - London, XGL

I absolutely love this books store - I visited it on my first trip to London and spent hours and hours there. I was so pleased by the staff recommendations. I was able to find Spanish fiction that it is so hard to find. It was the greatest book store experience ever! read more

Enjoy the bookshop but PLEASE, PLEASE!!! don't forget to go upstairs. Amazing coffee and amazing atmosphere. read more

Foyles - Bookstores Near Me - London, XGL

This place is mammoth. It's the go to place for books in London. Old as old school gets. Many an hour can be lost in here and has been lost to the annals of time. Great place! read more

When you think of bookshop - you think of dusty shelves and library type staff. I was told Foyles is the most famous bookshop in London. Why? Apparently in the older days, all books were sorted by the authors name and it was almost an impossible mission to find something. Today everything is sorted by themes and they have indeed a broad and deep selection of any interesting book I was looking for . From business guides, science, medical, architecture, art, mathematics, languages, biographies and best sellers such as Jamie's Ministry of Food by Jamie Oliver to music. Foyles demonstrates a successful retail concept and it is one of these shops when you ask for advice you get a quality answer - as you know this person has read the book. read more

Love spending the afternoon here curled up with a good book. Great selection, incredibly nice staff who clearly don't mind you passing the hours in their shop. Only two negatives: first, the very very limited selection of seats (I only know of 2 armchairs in the whole store - when I can't get those, I sit on the floor or on a stool). And second, the stall in the ladies bathroom has been out of order for months now - what's taking so long to fix it? read more

They have a huge selection of books. Still I was surprised it didn't have lisfs of very category. This is a store I could wander in for an hour. 5-6 storeys with café on 5th floor. What I like with bookstores this size is they have free wifi! They accept AMEX. read more

Beautiful bookshop in the middle of London. The display windows are inviting, and once you walk in, it's such an oasis. The layout of the shop is interesting and fun, and staff picks change and vary so you should be able to find anything to your taste. The cafe on the 5th floor is a great place to relax and hang out, too! read more

I LOVE Foyles. It's as simple as that. I'd even go so far as to say that this is possibly the best book store in London. You can quote me on that. When I was studying and had the arduous - and frequent - task of tracking down obscure Derrida/Sartre/Debord writings, Foyles was there for me. Their exceptional staff always going well beyond the call of retail duty to locate hard to find texts. When I was looking for a book on the symbolism of the mask in African art as a birthday gift for a friend I found not one, but two books that fit my needs. And at different price points to match. Foyles is also blessed with an unusually good cafe in the form of Ray's Jazz. This is the place to enjoy abtruse herbal teas and soya lattes in between browsing for books and music. Foyles is bona fide bookworm bliss. read more

Foyles is one of the most amazing bookstores I have been to. It seems to be more of a library, with books spread out over five floors, and comprehensive listings for each subject. I came here for an event organized by Wastafari, a literary magazine, that had four authors from across the world talk about their favorite work. They even had some complimentary glasses of wine and nibbles. Its really amazing that this space in the bookstore can be used by for literary events. Another reason this place gets five stars are the wonderfully well informed staff, who seem to have degrees in database mining combined in hospitality. And there is fresh coffee on tap nearby at Rays... read more

Foyles by the sound of it could pass off as a confectionary shop. Contrary to what I imagine, its truly a big collection of books to bury ones head in. This bookstore is very carefully categorised and one can order a book if it doesnt exist in the store. They provide you with a posting service or you can even pick up yourself if you perfer. Books for all readers and interests, they even have music especially a specialist Jazz and Blues collection. A sound place for acquiring your taste in reading. 50% discount from now until Christmas on a new list of books everyday. Check in store for more details. read more

This multilevel store with a bustling cafe is amazing, well-stocked, and well staffed with friendly and helpful people. The location is convenient to many others shops and theaters and is a great place to spend a few hours. read more

Foyle's is one of my favourite bookshops of all time. It has an excellent range and selection but at the same time doesn't feel like a big impersonal corporate bookshop. The graphic novel selection is my particular favourite bit and generally the whole place emits a pro-intelligence air, which makes you feel clever and part of the smart & cool group all at once. What isn't great about Foyle's is the price and their deals are often not wonderful, most books sell for the RRP. In this day and age, that's a rum deal as anyone with fingers can get a cheaper price on the internet. Of course, you don't get the calm, breezy, browsy experience of getting to finger all the books first, or stumbling upon something you had no idea you wanted. They also host quite a few readings and things. The jazz café at Foyle's is a lovely place to sit with latte and an overpriced sandwich to read your recent purchases or use the free wi-fi internet. There is a high stool bench which looks out on to Charing Cross Road so you can dreamily people-watch this is particularly nice to do if the weather is awful outside and you are toasty warm and cupping a hot beverage watching the schmucks schlep through the rain/hail/snow/grade 5 hurricane. read more

Leg-shakingly-strong organic, fair-trade Rocket Fuel Coffee is the reason to stop here amongst the crazy jazz cats of London. On the 1st Floor of Foyles, this is Ray's Jazz, nestled in the bookshop, serving uncommonly good coffee. The almost hidden door is on Charing X Road, with a neon sign - go up the stairs and follow that delicious roasted bean aroma! Located virtually opposite denmark st, we like to stare into the eyes of surprised top-deck passengers and pigeons from the first floor window, as we munch on rather nice hippy-inspired tea-time dishes. The latte here is happily one of the best hits in town, and for us geeks, the place is laptop friendly, although at peak times they request you sit at the window seats to make room for proper customers. Don't bother getting your kit out at lunchtime though, this place does get a bit rammed at times. But that's Jazz, baby. Mmm Latte and other drinks : around £2.00, Cakes: around £3.00 -4.00 other food / drink available read more

A very very cool for cats venue. Pleasant coffee shop , good coffee and food, love the cakes. You may sit on a stool looking out of the window, or even share a table, it's not very big, and usually only a couple of staff, so sometmes a little wait it's not fast food, but very pleasant food. Add to that a jazz audio shop with a huge range of jazz cd/discs.. and on some saturday lunchtimes a little live jazz, I've seen Jonathan Gee, and Tony Kofi. The clientelle naturally ooze mtropolitan cool. you can try and fit in!!! read more

Update I don't like taking stars off places, but Foyles actually forced me to drink my coffee sharpish and move elsewhere today. If you're going to advertise your free wi-fi, then you should at least make it work. The internet here is notoriously unreliable and I can't work from here. Shame, because other than that it's pretty damn perfect. Update I came here for the private viewing of Londonist's Slow Exposure exhibition and I was shocked to find this morning that I haven't reviewed this place yet! Foyles is one of the best book shops in London. The jazz cafe is one of the best cafes in London. The jazz artist the book are some of the best there is. Throw in a decent coffee and some good company, and you've got Christmas. Do I need to say anymore? Oh alright then. They have disabled access - including the loos. The coke comes in bottles. the staff are friendly. There's free wi-fi (although how you'd get any work done with the book shop next door is beyond me. I would be mostly shopping). You can get a beer too if you like. They could have easily popped a normal chain cafe in here like other bookshops, but Foyles have gone one better. See? Christmas! read more

A great place to sit and people watch while drinking glorious Monmouth coffee, eyeing up the delectable cakey goods and pretending to do lots of serious work on your laptop. The cafe used to be on a different floor, which confused the hell out of me recently when I started frequenting the place again after a few years off. After waiting very patiently for the lift (heavy bags), going up to where I thought it was and wandering around like a startled rabbit, blinking in confusion, I eventually read the floor guide and located it. Reward for such foolishness = one lovely cup of coffee. read more

I've spent a lot of time in bookstores everywhere I've lived and traveled. I grew up in the days before Amazon, in and out of the bookstores of Harvard Square, and have watched the rise and decline of Barnes and Noble and Borders. What does this have to do with Foyles? Foyles is hands down the best bookstore I've ever been in. I visited Foyles for an hour or two on my last free day in London and got a bit teary eyed at having to leave. If you are visiting London and love bookstores visit here at the beginning of your trip for maps, guide books and everything else. read more

Foyles - Foyles Floor / Department Directory - Bookstores Near Me - London, XGL

I visited London for the first time in Sep 2019 and was so happy to find Foyle's, it reminded me of the best aspects of the Borders and Barnes & Noble book superstores in the 1990s in the US. Delighted to see the performance space on the top floor. My only regret was that I couldn't buy the books I wanted to buy since I didn't have enough room in my luggage for the trip home. read more

Another favorite bookshop of minethis is a great place for non fiction of any kond. There is quite literally a section on anything. It has an exhaustive music section, and an antique book area. It is a bit tempting to become embroiled in a quest to teach yourself the harp in 3 easy steps or read all about economics. In that sense it is a little dangerous, especially for those of us who can't resist an unusual looking read. I do love to while away an afternoon here, although I can only enter either with a trusted friend who wont let me go crazy with the credit card or on a strictly cash only basis! read more

Ok I admit I've delayed a bit on writing this review, I don't want this place to get any more popular than it already is! Ah well... Ray's was initially started and run by Jorge Fernandez (now run by his wife), who co-owns the Fernandez & Wells chain. Mr Fernandez is also the former GM of Monmouth Coffee Co., you may then understand that Ray's has all the makings of being a gem of a place. The proto-good-coffee-place of London, you might say. It's a fair bit cheaper than the F&W outlets, but still offers the same great quality food. The coffee (Monmouth) as you'd expect, is top notch, though this usually does depend on the person making it. Every now and then you'll get someone who's a bit of a newbie and may not make one's flat white to one's exacting expectations. The music is particularly good here. Though I've never attended any live jazz session, whoever selects the background music (not strictly jazz, thankfully, but definitely not mainstream) is pretty awesome, as they have introduced me (and some members of my family) to some great, great music. I do have a few problems with this place though, which is why I can only give it 4 stars. Ray's gets amazingly packed, so good luck finding a seat if you get there after, say 12h30 on the weekend (good atmosphere though). Ray's also seems to run out of food very quickly, so if you've made your mind up on what you're going to eat, before you get there, I'm afraid you may be forced to change it quite quickly once you hit that queue to get served. Pros - more affordable than F&W - great food - great coffee - great music - usually friendly (though sometimes stressed) staff Cons - packed to the rafters (get there early) - limited supply of food - only one toilet, bit harsh for such a popular place read more

Oh yeah, bookshop heaven. Foyles is among the other bookshops down Charring Cross road (sadly the massive Borders is no more of course) but I think it is my favourite of the bunch. As well as a wide selection they also have a space that has been used for art in the past - they had an excellent Post Secret exhibition in there at one point a few years back. Great for a browse and easy to spend an afternoon in particularly on a rainy day read more

Foils is a really special place. It is an independently owned bookshop spread over 4 or 5 floors on Charing Cross Road. there are thousands and thousands of books - all the best sellers, but what is really good is that because they are independent they often have books that are hard to find elsewhere and sometimes books that are totally out of print. They are also really helpful if you are looking for something but aren't quite sure what as the staff are real bookworms. It is a far cry from American giant Borders just accross the road. read more

Fair play to free wifi and good coffee. Didn't have one, but the salads and brownies look amazing. Popped in for a book, ended up staying for coffee and jazz! I'd almost take a star off for minimum spend £5 on card, but I like it too much. See you in hell Starbucks! read more

Foyles - Bookstores Near Me - London, XGL

My mother-in-law spends several days a week on a plane and thus reads a lot. However, living in Nigeria, she doesn't get to go to many bookshops. Whenever she comes through London, Foyles is always at the top of the list. It's on her list of errands she has to run, but browsing in this massive bookshop is a lot more interesting than buying vitamin supplements. They must surely have every book currently in print in the UK, and their sections of speciality books are a life saver - as a music fan, I love that I can get a book of criticism on everything from pop to Puccini. An absolute gem of a bookstore. read more

The original branch of this incredible bookstore has floors of merchandise for you to pore over. You can spend hours and days here - so there's a cafe on site for when the energy flags. Staff are helpful and the selection is vast. Take your time here and enjoy one of London's few independent bookstores. read more

Yes, Foyle's is a great bookshop, I think I prefer it to Borders across the road. I get the feeling they have a better selection of books, though I have no scientific data to back up this claim. It's really big, three or four floors, you'll easily end up spending lots of time in here browsing the contents of the many shelves. But their cafe certainly beats Starbucks (or whatever it is) in Borders hands down. It's really cosy and homely, qualities often missing in many central London cafes. My only complaint is all the children congregating in there - where do they all come from?! You'll have to watch it so you don't accidentally step on one. Though that is probably more of a weekend phenomenon. read more

This is such a lovely bookstore to hang out in, search for books you've been looking for, or to just browse and discover something new. It is also one of the best independent bookstores in the country, if not THE best. Its good to patronise an indie bookstore in these borders and books etc days. Also, look out for Tales of the Decongested - a short story monthly festival / reading, where local London writers get to present their work. I think it is the last Friday of every month. I kind of like the fact the store is tricky to navigate, although that might just be my problem. read more

I absolutely adore Foyles, and travelled from the midlands to visit the PostSecret exhibition in the store a few years ago. I fell in love with the store there and then! I love how many floors there are to explore at leisure, and the cafe blew my mind as it is located in the jazz music section of the store, putting me in absolute heaven! the range of books is immense, bigger than i have ever seen before. i absolutely would recommend this store for any arts, culture or book lover. read more