9/6/2019 1 Comment Bookshops of BrixtonBy Layla There are few things that I love more than a good bookshop. Anyone who likes to read will surely sympathise with that moment of stepping from the world of everything else into a little world of books. But do such havens exist in Brixton? Of course they do. Here's what I think are the top bookshops of Brixton, for your reading and gift-buying delight: Round Table Books Best for children's books This little children's bookshop, just opened earlier this year in Brixton Village, may be the loveliest bookshop in London. They are lovely because they are bright and colourful; stock a beautifully curated range of shiny new books for children; because they have a cute bookshelf sheep outside; and because they are friendly to both humans and dogs (well, that was my experience!). They also have signings and book events. But they are extra-lovely because:
I hear that two of their most popular books of the moment are children's books based on Bob Marley songs - and written by his daughter! But what if you're not a kid? It's worth noting that while they technically cater to a 0-18 audience, some of their young adult books may be of interest to adults readers too - plus they have a tiny but lovely shelf of books for adults . I was quite touched (and humiliated, as an alleged grown-up reader) to spot on their shelves one of the LGBT+ YA books I'm currently reading! Essentially this bookshop is for everyone and you should probably go and buy presents for all the kids you know (and a little something for yourself too...) Selling books in Brixton for more than two decades, Bookmongers is a delightful and cosy bookshop filled with second hand books on Coldharbour Lane. They have a really interesting range of books split into the usual categories. Since the last time I came in and bought a stack of books, their contemporary fiction section seemed to have become more updated and very tempting. I realised I've been underappreciating this excellent little bookshop. Obviously others have not - there were quite a few customers while I was in. Of note, they also have a cute little children's area where you can snuggle up with a good book. Note this bookshop is not dog-friendly because they have 'a very aggressive cat'. But I did venture in with my dog carried in my arms, without incident... They don't currently do events, which is a shame, as this is a lovely space. Beautiful Books Best for books about Christianity Another bookshop that has been trading in Brixton for more than two decades (almost three in fact!) is Christian bookshop Beautiful Books. They've just moved back into one of the refurbished arches on Brixton Station Road, though they tell me the refurb is not 100% finished yet. I asked them what their most popular books were and they laughed and pointed to a whole wall of bibles. The shop also sells other religious-themed books, including a section for children, and has a good selection of cards, coasters and bookmarks too. When I was there the shop was pretty busy. I asked them if I could bring in my dog, and at first they looked as though nobody had ever asked such a question, and suggested I leave him outside, but did then sweetly let me carry him. Note they also do various bible study classes in the bookshop. WH Smith Best for bestsellers WH Smith is of course a prosaic choice - if you're a book lover, you might not gravitate to its shelves. But go into the Brixton branch, head for the right-hand side aisle, and amidst the general chaos, a pretty good selection of books quietly waits for you. They have all the latest bestsellers, a decent selection of contemporary fiction, and a passable children's section too. They even have little recommendation labels, and while I am a great advocate of the independent bookshop (and of bookshops rather than stationery shops with book aisles), there's no disputing that if you're looking for a specific, recently published book, this aisle is pretty well-stocked, and possibly underrated by us Brixtonians. Or maybe that's just me. Other bookshops in Brixton There is another Christian bookshop called Christian Books Plus, on Brixton Road, which I'll visit and add in due course. TK Maxx often sells a few children's books at a good price. Not to mention the selections in the second hand shops. Barnados usually has a nice selection.
I was really keen to include lovely 20 Storey but I've walked past it several times in the last few weeks and it's always closed - I fear it might have closed down... Any other suggestions, please add in the comments section.
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AuthorI moved to Brixton in 2015 with my wife and dog, from faraway Camberwell, via Washington, Tokyo and Hong Kong... Archives
September 2019
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