I've been nagging my London Walks colleagues for 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!
Adam chips in…
Every time I visit the London Walks office I try to swing by the wonderful West End Lane Books in West Hampstead. I bought a fantastic book on cats there for my daughter and also one of our treasured hardback editions of Chris Riddell's Goth Girl.
I always take care to buy Chris Riddell books in only the most special of bookshops. I believe that the place where the book is purchased is important to the story of the book as an object, as an artefact in my home. Each book is a memory in itself.
Not only is West End Lane Books a great shop, it also has the most consistently entertaining Twitter feed of any book shop out there.
Here are a few examples…
A very happy #BookshopDay to all our fellow lit-pushers + a massive thanks + love to our customers who've made it all possible for 22 years — West End Lane Books (@WELBooks) October 8, 2016
(Loving the phrase "Lit-Pushers")
Every single day, someone comes in, says 'how are you' & turns back before I can answer. Today, it was truncated to simply 'You?' Sigh — West End Lane Books (@WELBooks) October 6, 2016
Excellent chat with customer: from autumn accessories to lentils, taking in female identity & sexuality on way. All without drawing breath — West End Lane Books (@WELBooks) October 6, 2016
We've only been open 5 minutes & already I've discussed panda sexuality with a customer. That's #WestHampstead for you — West End Lane Books (@WELBooks) October 6, 2016
You can find West End Lane Books here…
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