I love books, and there's no better place to buy them than an independent bookstore. It increases…read morethe feeling of discovery and intimacy that goes with book-buying - makes it more special, and of course helps out your local community, rather than one of the mega chains. This shop is pretty small but has an excellent selection. You'll find bestsellers alongside some classic treasures and unusual lesser-known finds. The only problem is that as an independent shop, they don't offer the discounts that others do. The staff are always friendly and totally helpful. I went in there looking for a copy of Pessoa recently and they ordered it within a few days. They also accept book tokens if you happened to get any for christmas (yes, I am a geek, but I love getting that present!).

Clapham is what a bookstore should be: floor-to-ceiling books and a knowledgeable staff willing to…read moreanswer questions. I wish we had more bookstore like this in the States. Over here bookstores have morphed into a weird coffee shop/greeting card store/music outlet hybrid with a smattering of Oprah's Picks displayed in a bin just so they can keep the bookstore pretense alive. Depressing. Anyway, this is not Clapham.

My local Waterstone's is hit and miss. Both when it comes to having books in stock and when it…read morecomes to having knowledgable and/or helpful staff on hand. However, they're always very friendly and the prices aren't terrible for a chain store. I'm glad that there's still a bookstore in the area at all!

When I used to live in Brixton, I would try and visit Book Mongers at least once a week. Now,…read moreunfortunately I don't have such easy access, but it still remains to be one my favourite second hand bookstores. Rather inconspicuously hidden down the Brixton entrance of Coldhabour Lane, Book Mongers is like a little romantic vision of the bohemian bookstores you come across in films: it's small and poky, the salesmen are always friend and give good honest advice, and the books are stacked up as high as my head (and I'm six foot three inches tall). Despite the the fact the prices seeming to have gone up over the past couple of years, it's still invariably cheaper than a lot of second hand bookstores I have come across, and I always manage to walk out with something exciting. The sections range from European Literature, Philosophy, and even a special section devoted to Irish literature. One pointer though, the books aren't shelved in alphabetical and there's quite a lot of piffle to sift through before finding the read you are after; but if you're like me, you'll find the thrill of the chase even more rewarding.

Brixton Bookmongers, 439 Coldharbour Lane…read more Brixton Bookmongers is my favourite bookshop in the capital. At first glance it is a bit chaotic with piles of used tomes stacked beside crammed shelves. However after a closer inspection it becomes apparent that the owners really know their books. Obviously changing with what they buy, their fiction shelves can range from Annie Proulx to William Gaddis, Dennis Cooper to Pablo Neruda. It really is a delight for the Cult Fiction fan. That said it also has excellent Music, Academic and Crime sections if my memory serves me correctly. I can say that I have regularly stumbled across many hard to find and out of print titles and their stock is regularly full of quality reading material. Essential for the city bookworm!

Lovely little bookshop with an amazing,y well curated collection. We didn't plan to buy anything…read morebut browsed our way into a bag full, having found interesting titles we'd not seen elsewhere. While there, stop next door to Daquise for a fantastic lunch.

This bookstore was a fantastic find! It's located right next to the South Kensington tube station,…read moreand while it isn't too big, it boasts an impressive selection of books in various categories. Psychology, science, philosophy, politics, history, art, etc, and, of course, fiction. The books are all new, and extremely well-priced. I walked out of the store with 5 brand new books for only £22! If you are in the area and a book lover, this shop is a must-visit. The prices and selection are dangerous! I had to be careful not to buy out the whole store.

Haynes Market seems like the perfect place to get lost in for a few hours. We found it by accident…read morewalking down this small road off Westow Road. It is like a whole new world of the past when you walk through the narrow doorway. A word of advice, do not take small children in there as they do not like people picking up their goods as most of it is antiques. They've got something for everyone in there, even if you do not like antiques. I saw a bunch of comics from my youth, a few action figures, tonnes of clothes, books and memorabilia scattered all over the place. The Haynes Market is a maze but a fun one. There is stairs from the first floor to the ground floor where you will discover a few more stalls to browse from. My friends got to wrapped up in the market that we spend ages in there looking at things, it's just amazing. Haynes Market is what a market in London should be like!

I've walked past this market so many times but never went inside…read more I don't think many people no that it is there as it's down a side street and there isn't much signs to direct people there. I finally went inside and wasn't disappointed there is so much to choose from the staff are very friendly and I brought quite a few coins and stamps as these are the things I collect and am interested in. Will defiantly be returning in the future.

Lovely bookstore in the heart of the Northcote Road's busy shopping area…read more Entering this shop, you are immediately struck by the sense of a relaxed small-scale bookstore, with no 3 for 2 offers or heavy sells being thrust at you. There's a sofa to relax and take in a book, and a really good range of books, from the classics to children's, and a smattering of maps thrown in. Been around for over 25 years, so worth taking a look anyway to sample Old-school Clapham.

This store is wonderful but is closing soon thanks to unaffordable business rates…read more Another death of a fantastic small business thanks to this. Shame on you Wandsworth Council you're so amazing in so many other ways but this is very sad.

An absolute joy to browse. Lots of new books, but the real finds are in the second hand section at…read morethe back and downstairs. I always find loads of really interesting books, gifts and nifty gadgets. Brilliant place!

Wonderful bookshop, with staff who are more than happy to order in any books you wish. Turnaround…read moreis quick and the level of service and recommendations make it a definite highlight at the top of Sydenham High Street. There are also often very cheap second hand books, particularly for children and there are often wonderful finds to be had in the bargain boxes!

Don't be fooled by the size, this bookshop is not only stocked to the rafters but they will also…read moreoften order you in books that you need or want if they don't already have it on their shelves. The man who owns it is super friendly and recognises all his regular customers and is often up for a little chat while you browse. His literary knowledge is expansive and you can always ask him to recommend you a new book based on ones you have previously enjoyed. The store also hosts a number of events such as book signing (I met JK Rowling!) and reading groups for children in the area.

For travel, cookery and children's books Village Books is very well stocked as well as selling a…read morerange of best sellers and classics. But due to the limited shop size, you are not going to find every book that you ever wanted here. It is however, very pleasant, personal and all round a nice shop to buy from. Much more than just a village book shop in my mind.

An amazing little bookshop, or at least it seems little at first. But one can spend hours browsing…read morethrough the three stories of crowded rooms. Helpful staff, wonderful and broad selection of books, new and old. I shall return.

This is a wonderful bookstore, cozy in its trappings with an excellent selection of titles.read more