Discover 9 of the best bookshops in East London. One of the greatest accomplishments of the London literary scene is that it has withstood the test of time, proving once and for all that even in the age of mega-online retailers, there is still a need for small independent bookshops. A place where the staff knows your name, and your likes. A place where you can cosy up with your favourite book and a hot cuppa. And a home in the neighbourhood where you can explore the world through words.
1. The Broadway Bookshop
Tucked away in the bustling Broadway market, The Broadway Bookshop is the kind of place that delights as soon as you step through the door. The speciality here is in literary fiction, poetry, philosophy, music, art, fashion, travel and children.
2. Libreria
A space designed to discover new books, ideas and ways of thinking. At Libreria, the books are curated to maximise serendipity, the chance of you accidentally finding that next great read.
3. Donlon Books
Since opening its doors in 2008, Donlon Books, the publishing house and bookshop have quickly built a reputation for stocking an idiosyncratic range of new and rare titles. In addition to this, they also host regular book launches, readings and screenings.
4. Pages of Hackney
At this award-winning small bookshop, you’ll find an assortment of eclectic genres in the areas of feminism, literary fiction, politics, philosophy and beyond. Pages of Hackney is a little treasure trove for the most discerning bookworms.
5. Artwords Bookshop
At Artwords Bookshop, the focus is on contemporary arts and visual culture. They specialise in written works by artists and they host regular author events and book launches.
6. Brick Lane Bookshop
The Brick Lane Bookshop offers fiction, non-fiction, Children’s books and more. This is an independent bookshop that is truly at the heart of the community, they even have a section dedicated to London books.
7. Whitechapel Gallery Bookshop
The Whitechapel Gallery has extended its century-long commitment to art education into the world of books. Their bookshop is a place to learn and be inspired by the wide range of titles on modern and contemporary art, photography, architecture and art theory.
8. Burley Fisher Books
If you’re in a reading rut or desperately seeking to encounter writers you’ve never come across before, then head to Burley Fisher Books. Fill out a form answering a few questions and they’ll send you a payment link for your next favourite read. This is a neighbourhood bookshop that’s very much about maintaining old-fashioned customer service in a digital world.
9. Paper and Cup
Head to Paper and Cup and support this award-winning social enterprise. They sell a curated selection of second-hand and vintage items including clothes, homeware, accessories and books. And the best part is that all profits support people in recovery from addiction and homelessness.
