When Lala Books opened in Camberwell just a month ago, Danielle Moylan naturally wanted to tell the world about her new independent bookshop.
What she probably didn’t expect was that many would find out about Lala Books thanks to a break-in this past weekend, with technology stolen and a smashed front window. Moylan’s response to not just the theft but a “few books here and there” being shoplifted since opening was to offer free books to those who genuinely can’t afford it. The post very quickly vent viral, bringing plenty of attention to the small indie bookshop which specialises in contemporary fiction, translated literature and titles from small presses, and does excellent coffee too.
But which are the other independent bookshops in London that Moylan enjoys browsing? We asked for her favourites.
Donlon Books, Broadway Market
It’s a real pleasure to walk into a small independent bookshop where you can immediately get a sense of the owner’s point of view. Donlon delivers this in spades. There are several excellent bookshops on Broadway Market — all among London’s best — but I always find inspiration in Donlon’s particular selection of more obscure philosophy, political thought and art titles. A new book, something delicious from one of Broadway Market’s weekend food stalls (or a slice of cake from Claire Ptak’s Violet bakery) and a spot in nearby London Fields — hard to beat for a cheap and lush Saturday afternoon.
donlonbooks.com
BOOKS, Peckham
BOOKS (yes — all caps!) is tucked away just off Bellenden Road in Peckham, around the corner from local indie legends Review bookshop. Open Thursday to Sunday, it comprises just two small rooms, and I often pop in on Sunday after closing up my shop. Peter, the owner — and, judging from the playlist, a death metal aficionado — sources an incredible mix of secondhand books, most priced at £1–£2, alongside a well-considered collection of zines, small press titles, and even cassettes. BOOKS has single-handedly rounded out my personal collection of Irish literary titans, and it always feels like a win to leave with a stack of books for under a tenner.
instagram.com/bookspeckham
John Sandoe Books, Chelsea
John Sandoe is legendary — and Elton John’s favourite bookshop — for good reason. The shop is beautiful, with three floors crammed with books, but for me, it’s the booksellers who make it special. They’re knowledgeable, passionate about books and unfailingly patient with the most difficult of requests, whether that be tracking down an out-of-print title or a book you can only vaguely remember the slightest of details about.
johnsandoe.com
Round Table Books, Brixton
Round Table shows what thoughtful, inclusive curation can do in a small space. Located in Brixton Market — home to many excellent independent shops and restaurants — Round Table prioritises and champions underrepresented voices, especially in children’s and YA books, but also general titles. It began as a pop-up and the permanent shop was established after a hugely positive community response and a successful crowdfunding campaign. The team is warm, generous and genuinely committed to helping you find the right book.
roundtablebooks.co.uk
London Review Bookshop, Bloomsbury
The London Review Bookshop, near the British Museum, manages a modern-day miracle — it feels serious but never stuffy. The booksellers are some of the most knowledgeable in the business, and I always feel in safe hands when browsing their recommended selection. Alongside Foyles, another favourite of mine, their events programme is arguably the best in London, with an enviable line-up of authors, thoughtful hosts and generous glasses of wine.
londonreviewbookshop.co.uk
Special Rider Books & Records, Shepherd’s Bush Market
Tucked into a small stall in Shepherd’s Bush Market, Special Rider is the only independent bookshop in the area. It’s narrow and open to the elements — on cold days, George (the owner) is truly doing God’s work — but the handpicked selection is consistently interesting. They host great literary events (a recent standout was with George Butler, an illustrator speaking on his work covering the war in Ukraine), and even rowdy parties in summer with DJs. Their merch is also excellent — if you can’t find a book, you can always pick up a cap or tote to show your love.
instagram.com/specialriderbooks
