Kindle fans, look away. For people who prefer actual books, there’s nothing better than browsing through shelves upon shelves of new and old reads, especially in a foreign city. If you happen to find yourself in London, don’t leave without a visit to these fine book shops:
Foyles
Lose a few days in this bright, architectural, multi-level flagship, shelving an unimaginably diverse, hard-to-find and cleverly curated selection of titles (the UK’s most expansive in variety). From graphic-glam reissues of the classics and glossy art tomes, to obscure European authors and quirksome travel guides – you’ll come away with an armful of books you never knew you needed.
Learn more at foyles.co.uk
Magma
Muscle past the milling beards at this barometer of uber-stylin’ print to be rewarded with design books, edgy ‘zines, stationery, posters, games and all manner of whimsical and inventive lifestyle faddle. You’ve hit the souvenir motherlode. Magma-aaah.
Learn more at magma-shop.com
Maison Assouline
Bookworms rejoice! This luxury limited edition biblioteque set in a Grade II-listed former bank boasts a back catalogue of 1,400 coffee-table tomes, a room devoted to sumptuous MTM furnishings and curiosities, and the suave little Swan Bar, serving coffee, classic ‘tails and nibbles.
Learn more at assouline.com
Persephone Books
Rare and forgotten C.20th femme lit, reprinted and bound in simply beautiful dove-grey dust jackets, all gorgeously displayed amid vintage posters and fresh blooms on one of London’s most charming cobblestoned streets. Seriously, what’s not to love?
Learn more at persephonebooks.co.uk
Headed to London? Don’t leave without a little LUXE:
