Judge a Book by Its Seller
Whatever age your children, the chances are books will often be a big part of your world, whether it’s favourite bedtime stories that you know off by heart, riveting teen reads or great chapter books that will get your kids hooked on that book habit for life. Perhaps the recent World Book Day has inspired you to hunt down some more titles for yourself and your offspring. But before you do, consider this: a recent report found that Britain now has fewer than 1,000 independent bookshops for the first time since records began. Although digital platforms and online suppliers are great when it comes to convenience and price, a visit to a fantastic bookshop can be a reward in itself, packed to the rafters full of inspiration and wonder. We’re lucky that west London still has a great selection of independent bookshops, so here are a few that should be on your list to browse—and shop.
Lutyens and Rubinstein, Kensington
Established in 2009 by literary agents of the same name, Lutyens and Rubinstein has an impeccably researched range that encompasses fiction and general nonfiction along with specialist children’s, poetry and art sections. One of the many unique aspects of this destination bookshop is its gift service—their “A Year in Books” packages mean you, a friend, a teenager away from home, a child or a baby can receive a different age-appropriate book each month. They will even take into account favourite genres. And you’ve got to love any bookshop that has a wedding list service.
Nomad Books, Fulham
Nomad Books has been going for over 20 years now and browsing there is made even more enjoyable by the presence of the in-house Union Coffee. They have three book clubs going on, covering modern reads, the classics and one catering for young readers, and their large children’s section even has enough room for you to park your buggy. (WLM posted a review of Nomad a few months back.)
South Kensington Books, South Kensington
Under its current ownership since 2010, South Kensington Books now specialises in visual arts, photography, architecture and history, as well stocking a fantastic range of fiction, poetry, music, biography and cookery titles. Use their book-ordering service to request specific titles, or join their mailing list for more information on upcoming books.
The Pitshanger Bookshop, Ealing
A haven for the book lovers of W5, the Pitshanger Bookshop prides itself on its variety: they stock not only the latest titles, but also greetings cards, stationery, a local history section and paintings. And if you like to discuss books as you stroll, join their local walking book group.
The Kew Bookshop
, Kew
This is now one of the few remaining independent bookshops in southwest London. At the Kew Bookshop, they’ve recently put more focus on their children’s section, with children’s book specialists on hand to offer advice and recommendations, as well as a schools service. Shop online, or take advantage of their helpful click-and-collect service. The Kew Bookshop also has sister shops in Sheen and Barnes.
Books for Cooks, Notting Hill
A famous destination shop for the gastronomically minded among you, this specialist store deserves a mention for its sheer drive in tracking down pretty much every cookbook from every corner of the globe. Its test kitchen is now almost as famous as the bookshop itself and long may it reign.
The proverb “use it or lose it” can be applied to many types of shops today, but with three independent children’s bookshops in west and southwest London closing down in recent months, bookshops in particular are looking like an increasingly rare breed of retail establishment. To find out more about how to support your local bookshop, visit the Books Are My Bag site, a nationwide celebration of bookshops. And if you want to discover where your nearest London-based bookshop is, just check the handy London Bookshop Map.
About the author:
Anna Scott is a freelance writer, parent, procrastinator and Hammersmith resident. When she’s not attempting to write her first young adult fiction novel, in between reading and reviewing the odd book or two, she can be found chasing after her two little girls. In a previous life she was a politics graduate and wine trade lackey. Head over to Anna Scott Jots to find out more…
Feature photo: The Pitshanger Bookshop
