6 Must-Visit Bookshop Cafes in London
London is a book lover's dream come true. The capital of England is amongst the most vibrant book destinations in the world, offering readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in activities that satiate every possible bookish craving.
Bibliophiles will find plentiful literary sights spread across the city, including several independent bookshops and libraries. For those who prefer to add a hint of fun into their reading, the London literary pub crawl is an unforgettable experience. As for true-blue bookworms, there is nothing more relaxing and dreamier than reading a book while sipping on freshly made coffee.
Thankfully, there is no shortage of excellent bookshop cafes in London. Although considering this is England, unlike the book cafes in New York, you are likely to find a more extensive selection of teas than coffees at these hotspots.
Vanilla Black Coffee and Books
Popular with the local crowd, Vanilla Black Coffee and Books is primarily a cafe that carries a range of bestsellers as well as gift items. Creating a serene environment with soothing color schemes and homely interiors that include a fireplace, they have both indoor and outdoor seating. The food is equally unique as customers can order healthy dishes, from smoothies and vegan cakes to the Millennial classic avocado on toast. The books on sale at the cafe tend to have less of a classic bend and will appeal to readers who prefer newer, more popular releases.
Address: 308 Kennington Rd, Oval, London SE114LD
Halcyon Books
If all you need during your book hunting adventures is a cup of coffee or tea then Halcyon Books is the perfect place to stop. Amongst the most iconic book cafes in London, you will find close to 40,000 second-hand titles at this bookshop that has been operating since 1990. The coffee on offer is limited but acts as the ideal stimulant to help you browse through shelves full of books covering every possible genre. The bookshop is particularly known for selling first editions and antiquarian books at pocket-friendly prices.
Address: 266 Lee High Rd, Lewisham, London SE135PL
London Review Bookshop
Book cafes in London come in all shapes and sizes, but none has a "cake shop" like the London Review Bookshop. A legendary bookshop in the city, ever since its opening in 2003, London Review Bookshop is the go-to place for book lovers who want to scan through a massive assortment of 20,000 books while indulging in novel cakes and a variety of teas. What makes it more extraordinary is that the cakes are made in-house, and customers get to taste seasonal delicacies that celebrate the bookish environment. With author talks, book releases, and signing events a norm at the London Review Bookshop, you do not want to miss out on this book cafe when visiting the city.
Address: 14-16 Bury Pl, Holborn, London WC1A2JL
Paper and Cup
A not-for-profit establishment that puts out delicious plates of food and wonderful reads, Paper and Cup is amongst the cutest book cafes in London. A bookshop with a loving soul, you'll find previously unemployed individuals behind the counter here. Also an event space, they host gatherings for recovering addicts who can meet up and socialize at the café regularly. All the profits from the shop, be it from sandwiches and coffee or the latest bestseller, go to charity for re-investment into the community. If buying a book wasn't enough of a good deed for you, visit Paper and Cup to support a worthy cause even further.
Address: 18 Calvert Ave, Hackney, London E27JP
Pickled Pepper Books
With a name so quaint, who wouldn't want to step inside this cozy specialty bookshop known across the city for its collection of children's books. When it comes to book cafes in London, Pickled Pepper Books tops the list for serving delightful and yummy treats. However, it is also a theater and party space where kids can have book-themed birthdays or visit on the weekends for activities such as author meets and story-telling sessions.
Address: 10 Middle Ln, Crouch End, London N88PL
Arthur Probsthain
Situated near the British Museum, a stroll through Arthur Probsthain followed by a sit-down at Tea and Tattle is the perfect way to spend your afternoon in London. The bookshop has been in existence for more than a century, and offers a wide range of titles from the "Oriental and African world." The books are a combination of new, old, and out-of-print copies with some truly unknown titles that book lovers will find exciting. The "traditional tea room" compliments the bookshop with its elegant yet casual interiors and an array of British offerings such as scones, cakes, teas, sandwiches, and salads.
