Independent stores have suffered throughout the pandemic amidst the numerous lockdowns. Here, we break down a list of 10 independent London bookshops you can support now through online orders, plus if you’ve banned yourself from buying yet more books consider purchasing a gift voucher to send to a friend during lockdown.
10. Bookseller Crow on the Hill (Crystal Palace)
Bookseller Crow on the Hill is offering free delivery on orders over £25, keeping their doors open with deliveries of any books on their shelves.
How to order: Call 020 8771 8831 or look online.
9. Daunt Books
One of our favourite haunts in London to explore, Daunt have launched their delivery service – visit their shop online for staff recommendations and new title recommendations.
How to order: Email enquiries@dauntbooks.co.uk or online
8. Primrose Hill Books | Camden
Independently run by a husband and wife team and spanning all genres, you can order through their online service.
How to order: Call 020 7586 20222 or email shop@primrosehillbooks.com
7. The All Good Bookshop | Wood Green
If you want a book delivery done with the personal touch, this bookshop is hand-delivering books – owner Tim is shopping on his own bike to deliver to locals or you can order titles by post.
How to order: Call 07949 701861 or email control@allgoodbookshop.com
6. Burley Fisher | Haggerston
To keep the personal touch, drop Burley a title of the last book you loved and they’ll post something new that you might enjoy based on your personal preferences. Plus, listen to their new podcast ‘The Isolation Station.’
How to order: DM them on Instagram or email shop@burleyfisherbooks.com
5. Libreria | Spitalfields
4. South Kensington Books | South Kensington
One of central London’s most beloved bookshops reopened to bibliophiles on June 15. Its five London locations, including the original Edwardian bookshop on Marylebone High Street, are operating on slightly reduced hours but it also ships orders UK-wide for free if the customer spends over £40.
3. Brick Lane Bookshop | Spitalfields
Specialising in fiction, London-based books, non-fiction, poetry, travel, classics and children’s books, Brick Lane Bookshop has re-opened as a ‘take-away’ store but is offering free delivery within Tower Hamlets and can post anywhere in the UK.
How to order: Call 020 7247 0216 or email info@bricklanebookshop.co.uk
2. Dulwich Books | Dulwich
Another bookshop hand-delivering and posting books, give them a ring and the owner will walk to local houses or post them right to you.
How to order: Call 020 8670 1920 or email hello@dulwichbooks.co.uk
1. John Sandoe Books | Chelsea
Another one of our favourite haunts, this charming and creaky treasure trove of books only stocks one copy of each book. They will deliver in hand-wrapped brown paper packages.
How to order: Call 020 7589 9473 or email sales@johnsandoe.com
