DC Editor Adam writes…
I've been badgering my London Walks colleagues to nominate their favourite London Bookshops and I'll be sharing their recommendations here on The Daily Constitutional. Be sure to ask them for directions to their favorite bookshops at the end of their London Walks tours!
LW guides Judy and Tom BOTH shout out…
"Daunt!"
(Now, now boys and girls, one at a time please. Ad the Ed.)
Judy recommends…
The wonderful Daunt Books in Cheapside is just one of my favourites and I can point you toward it at the end of my Old City Walk (Saturdays 2pm meet by St Paul's tube) which finishes very nearby.
Way over the other side of town Tom agrees…
"Daunt's just down the road from Holland Park tube where my Saturday Notting Hill walk begins (10:45a.m Holland Park tube)."
Adam adds…
Daunt's main shop is in Marylebone High Street. This galleried book emporium is the very model of a British bookshop and one gets the sensation that it has been here for EVER. In fact Daunt as a business only dates back to 1990. The period detail in the shop, however, is more than mere artifice. The Marylebone premises was built in 1910 to house the antiquarian bookseller Francis Edwards - which can now be found on the Charing Cross Road and online at www.francisedwards.co.uk.
These days, Daunt can also be found in Belsize Park, Hampstead & Chelsea. Visit their website at www.dauntbooks.co.uk
About your correspondents…
Judy
Judy, winner of the London Tourist Board's prestigious Guide of the Year Award, is a professionally qualified Blue Badge and City of London Guide.
Watch Judy in action here…
Tom
Tom is a barrister, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Examiner for the Blue Badge Guides Course, travel writer and another creme de la creme professionally qualified Blue Badge Guide (he's the Chairman of the Guild of Guides Association). Follically challenged but motorcycling virile, his graceful wit, classic elegance of mind, infectious giggle, and gentle and generous heart make him the delight of all who know him.
Watch Tom in action here…
(Both Judy and Tom have more to add later in the series.)
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com