Maybe if I had been Che Guevara, Karl Marx or Fidel Castro in a past life instead of a pretty,…read morepretty butterfly, I would have like this bookstore more than I did. You ask, "You were a pretty, pretty butterfly?" And, you ask: "Fidel Castro probably isn't dead, but you were him in a past life anyway?" To which I respond "Hot Jacket Potatoes!" Freedom press has the benefit of a great location. It's down some pedestrian alleyway which gives the store an air of the secret and unknown. "Oh la la," you think as you walk to it. Inside, however, was not my cup of perfect tea (although there were a few real cups sitting around the store. Also, my perfect cup of tea is a full bodied orange spice from Seattle Washington). There were different sections - history, science fiction, biographies, sociological stuff, etc. but all revolving around the theme of fancy dress parties - and by that I mean anarchy and revolution! This bookstore would be your reading list if you took a class named Social Uprising and Revolt 101 and beyond. I guess some of the books would be pretty interesting, but I'd have to read them to find out for sure. There's also a section with anarchist-like clothes (mostly t-shirts) with designs such as the Queen's head over the crossbones of a skull and crossbones. I thought that was pretty amusing. If you're feeling rebellious or if you like defying authority, you should probably check this place out. It's not for me, but it maybe for you because as we all know, I say tomato and you say tomato.

Well, this is the oldest anarchist publisher in the world. Britain's oldest anarchist book shop…read more What more can I say? I've only been once, last week, and I loved it. Amazing place. Maybe that's 'cause I'm politically interested. And it's true, they do stock mainly anarchist literature, but also a mean line in pamphlets, magazines, and general anarchist publications. It's really worth visiting, tucked innocently off Angel Alley (something of the Harry Potter, eh?) and up a flight of stairs which it appears hasn't been renovated since this place opened (all the better for it in my opinion), it's basically crammed full of really interesting books on politics and the ways of the world. In their magazine section, they had a title called Mao or Never, which claimed to be the only Maoist publication in Britain to boast a colour cover. That's a really fun joke if you're in these circles, thing was mocked up! The staff, too, are really nice. I had a request for a really obscure book, they looked, couldn't find it and were really apologetic. So, if you're passing the KFC on Whitechapel High Street, come in here for a browse. I bet there's at least one book which you'd like to take home.

**Newly opened and currently open til 6pm but they are looking to expand their hours shortly. If…read moreyou're unsure about opening hours and you want to visit, I recommend firing off a tweet to @SECONDHOMELDN ** Popped in to Libreria last night for a quick reconnaissance mission. New independent bookshops aren't exactly ten a penny. It also happened to be World Book Day, I have just realised. It was meant to be. I love how it looks from the outside. Like a portal to another world. You go down Hanbury Street, think you must've missed it and then...suddenly it's there. Stylish black shopfront with a nice inviting glow. This was only a very quick visit but I like how they do things in Libreria. First, I have to note that there was a Riga RP-1 record player with Velvet Underground & Nico on the turntable so...good start. No espresso bar here. No mobiles allowed. Comfy seating and little nooks to sit down and check out a book. Tick tick tick. Sally, Libreria's director, introduced herself to me and explained how things were laid out. Very friendly and helpful. Books are largely organised alphabetically, fiction on the left and nonfic on the right. However, within that, books are clustered into themes or ideas, in order to promote interesting combinations of books nestling next to each other. Great idea. Pure A-Z is so 2015. Also, they have asked celebs to do a mini-curation of their favourite books. Shami Chakrabarti's faves are currently on display. I think the idea is to change everything round every quarter. Events are also gonna happen here. I dutifully added my email to the mailing list on the front desk. Waterstones can do one.

A quaint independent bookstore in the eastern part of London…read more https://prashantmudgal.wordpress.com/2019/08/07/the-cost-of-living/

You know that oft-quoted line from the movie High Fidelity that goes "I agreed that what really…read morematters is what you like, not what you are like... books, records, films -- these things matter"? The truth of this is up for debate, but are you someone whose eyes light up (and ears perk up) at the mention of The Smiths, Belle and Sebastian, Arcade Fire, and The Strokes (who were all signed to Rough Trade at one point or another), even though you're loath to admit that you read Pitchfork occasionally...? Go on. This is just the place for you. Make a pilgrimage to Rough Trade because we both know that you're the kind of person who'd wander around Brick Lane anyway. Rough Trade makes me feel like that this is probably what an everyday record store looked like back in the heyday of college radio back in the '80s and '90s. (Recent former college DJ here, confirming that absolutely no one listened to our station because we were online.) There's something for every music fan here, from indie to underground CDs and vinyl to hip music memorabilia such as posters and clothing. Browse to your heart's content and remember to stop by when there's a free gig going on. Soak up the cooler-than-you vibes that'll help boost your indie cred, fork out some money for the trendy black-and-white photo booth (you know you can't resist it), and brag to all of your friends back home that you discovered a cool new band here that they've probably never heard of before.

I loved getting to check out Rough Trade Records. As a vinyl junkie, it was like a music pilgrimage…read morefor me while I was in London. I wanted to check out the original location, though I read it was not in the original location/building any more and we were never quite close enough to it while on our trip to make it a convenient stop. So this one became the one for me given that I read it had the best overall selection in the city. Loved this place. Active, vibrant, folks everywhere checking out records. There's a coffee and bar up front so after shopping I sipped a pint and continued to listen to the great music they played throughout. Prices were fair, a lot of new sealed vinyl at "2 for 50 (pounds)" or even 13-20 pounds single. I loved the notes and "essentials" stickers pointing you to different music. I picked up several albums, focusing on ones I don't often (or ever) see on the rack in the states, a book, some rough trade branded merch. I love that they sell quality turntables and stereo gear, etc.--but sadly none of that would fit in my carry-on! The only thing that keeps this from being a "5 star" record shop for me is that if I lived here, it couldn't be my "go to" given that there are no used/trade-in options. I popped in one other Rough Trade location on our trip and guess that is standard, these are sealed/new record sellers only. But it's such a cool spot and I'm glad I went. Saved my Rough Trade cloth bag for display.

I love this place. It's about as central as you can get - right opposite the Bank of England - and…read moreit's great to know there's some small and civilised antidote to the life-sapping Costa-fuelled soullessness of the commuter trudge. Should satisfy any discerning smoker's every need. It's a tiny little place but has a big stock, and the owner is really friendly and helpful. Everything from Indonesian clove cigarettes to Gitanes to snuff to cigar- and pipe-related stuff I know next to nothing about can be had. And they sell handy flip-top portable ashtrays with their name on them, which is dead convenient if you can't find any of those "gum and butts" things, which you don't want to go near anyway, if you can possibly help it. Go try.

This branch of Waterstones - along with all of its other branches - is now closed temporarily, due…read moreto the coronavirus situation.

This may be one of my favourite bookshops in all of London. I know it's just a bookshop and a chain…read moreat that but hear me out on this one. 1. Staff - They staff are always extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I was just there a few weeks ago and they had run out of the book I was looking for so I had to order it. The gentleman who helped me was fast, efficient and friendly. He talked to me about the author and the series I was reading with passion. Then he leapt from behind the counter with a spritely leprechaun-like prance, and rushed me across the shop to show me another book he thought I'd like. Have already ascertained that he knew his stuff when it cames to tomes, I trusted him and bought the book and its sequel on the spot. He was so enthusiastic about the characters that I had to get it. It was "Rivers of London" just in case anyone wants to pick it up. Great book! 2. Special guests - Ever since I discovered this shop I've noted the revolving door of special guest authors that stop in for book signings. Just in passing I've seen Martina Cole, Jeffery Deaver and Rick Stein. I only walk by once every other month or so, so imagine who I must have missed! They only seem to advertise these signing events with a little sandwich board outside so I know there's been more. Lucky for me I got a photo with a Bond car and a signed copy of Rick Stein's new book on Spanish recipes. 3. Size & Selection - This shop is over two floors and has a better selection for it. I usually am able to find what I need or can order it quickly if needs be. If I don't know what I want there are plenty of books to browse through or a friendly staffer to ask.

A perfectly pokey little book store in the middle of tourist-mobbed Hayes Galleria, the Riverside…read moreBookshop always manages to maintain a quiet and reflective atmosphere. Although you wouldn't be amiss in initially assuming it's a Waterstones. Because it's rather unassuming. The selection of books available is admirable for the store's size. So until I eventually get a Kindle (and after that when I'm looking for non-ebook-friendly titles), I think I'll eschew the chain giants and make this my go-to local book store. (And it's the only place I've ever seen a "Congratuations on your divorce" greeting card for sale. Just, you know, in case you've been looking for one, as you would.)

Nice small shop away from the crowds with a good selection on the second floor. It's located in a…read morenewer mall area and takes a little looking but worth the find

WHSmith is a useful store within Liverpool Street station stocking a satisfactory range of to-go…read morefood, beverages and travel essentials useful to commuters before commencing their train journey from one of the country's busiest stations. It is pretty expensive, as common for travel locations which outnumber high-street in the WHSmith brand. Due to the construction of the store, it is a little strange getting in via steps (or a side ramp) and then a really narrow pathway. The chandelier style lighting was an interesting part of decor, they also had a small but ample book selection. A nice travel store, let down by extortionate pricing and one of the most disinterested staff members I've seen who was stood at the enterance staring into space. 3*

In Liverpool Street station, on the platform level nearer the high numbered ones. The ship is…read morebehind a supportung column, which seems to block the brighter light from getting in, making the place seem a little dingy. They have a selection of magazines and snacks plus of course all the top "best sellers", all at full retail price. However, if you need reading material, this is a great option. Every so often, I see handouts with discounts. So keep your eye out for those.

Great bookstore!…read more The selection is well-curated and there is something for everyone in here. The owners are friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to offer recommendations. Definitely worth a visit for anyone into books!!

Really, a lovely little bookshop with a long-standing history in this area. Where it could have…read moresuccumbed to the temptation to sell cool books to all the cool people that pass through this street (y'know how Fopp does it - bit of Orwell, bit of Camus, bit o' Kafka), they actually got a really well-stocked selection of fiction. The kind of fiction you've always wanted to read, or thought you should be reading. like Proust? And they do pretty greetings cards. There is a standard section on design, with big coffee table books about brazillian architecture or pictures of industrial decline. You do know them ones. But that's ok, their local history selection is beautiful and really appropriate for Brick Lane, where it would be easy to forget what it looked like last year. This bit's got nice books on the area's radical history, the stories of the Jewish presence in the area (I'd been looking for a Litvinoff book for ages) and the struggles against fascism and the National Front in London's East End. Which I felt really ties it to the area. It's definitely worth coming in 2 Eastside Books for a browse...

We visited this store yesterday and really liked it. The selection in all categories was quite…read moregood, it's very attractive (including the beautiful bookcases), and the woman working there was very friendly.

I got 99 reviews but Daunt Books ain't one... Time to put that right!…read more Yep my special 100th review spot goes not to a blow-out tasting menu nor a sexy new bar nor a burger worth queuing two hours for. It goes to a nearby haven from my office that I have a real soft spot for, when it's just been one of those days (or I need a last minute present!). It's an ordinary-looking bookshop that's an oasis of calm in a desert of suits, surrounded by offices, banks and city-worker lunch spots. Easily missed but with tardis-like magic powers of being ten times bigger (more if you include the basement floor) than you'd think from outside. That smell of bookshops has soothed me since I was just a little bookworm with a big imagination and even bigger NHS glasses. Someone needs to bottle this smell and label it nostalgia, because walking in here takes me straight back to my childhood local Ottakar's, where mum would leave me reading the latest Point Horror while she did the rest of the shopping. So it smells great, but what else makes it special? Firstly, the layout. Bestseller chart by the entrance to attract the uninitiated, but you'll soon be lured further in. The table displays are well put together and (sadly for my wallet) will definitely make you pick up something you weren't even looking for. Upstairs follow the thematics - art, sport, self-help, and so on, whilst downstairs is arranged by geography. Go to Central Asia for Hosseini, Japan for Murakami, Scandinavia for the latest Larsson thriller. Some people will hate this imperfect pigeon-holing; I actually quite like it. I've been in the (lucky) position of living abroad for a few months in the past and wanting to find books set in or written by people from the local area. It's interestingly different, and to me it makes finding a book into a bit of a treasure hunt (and boy do I love those!) :D The staff here are also friendly and knowledgeable, and the guy at the till has often struck up a conversation over something I'm buying, whether it was lamenting the size of George R. R. Martin's latest paperback with me, or telling me I was in for a treat with Gone Girl (he was right!). They can also get things ordered in pretty speedily if you're looking for something specific. Given the location it's never going to be as quirky cute as some of the secondhand independent bookshops you stumble upon further afield, but it's warm and inviting and hey they give you a cloth tote bag instead of plastic carriers. Major win for that if nothing else! Though if they say they've run out then apologies, it must be because so many of them are currently sitting in my flat woops... Final bonus tips: they also sell awesome cards, notebooks and wrapping paper, and it's open on weekends too yay! Enjoy :D

Under this postcode I've discovered that there are three W H Smiths on Liverpool Street Station…read more There's a large branch in the Western Mall - ie the passage that links the concourse to Broadgate. This has a fairly decent selection of books and stationery items, as well as confectionery and tobacco. It's spacious and airy, and the best one in which to browse if you have a spare half hour. There's also a mid-sized branch of W H Smiths on the concourse of Liverpool Street railway station at the Bishopsgate end. I don't find the layout of this one very user-friendly: it's shallow but wide, things aren't where I expect them to be, and there are often long queues to buy newspapers. For some odd reason, it also seems to attract litter, which I've never seen in any other branch. Finally, there's another on the first floor, if you need one more!