Sadly, the UK has just one national chain of bookshops left. Thankfully, there are numerous independent bookshops around the country that are managing to hang on and keep their doors open; London has some real gems. Here are three of my favourite:
John Sandoe Books can be found just off the King’s Road in Chelsea (nearest Tube: Sloane Square) and its doors have been open since 1957. The shop is a visual delight and home to around 30,000 titles. There are books stored in every conceivable space.
Daunt Books is on Marylebone High Street (nearest Tube stations: Baker Street or Bond Street) and is located in an Edwardian building with a focus on travel (books and travel = double the love).
Heywood Hill is on Curzon Street, Mayfair (nearest Tube: Green Park or Hyde Park Corner ) and has been selling old and new books since August 1936. Their mix of beautiful old books, the best new titles, special literary adventures and other bespoke services is perhaps unique. In 2011 Her Majesty The Queen awarded the shop the Royal Warrant. I love that they occupy part of the building where Nancy Mitford once worked.
This West London Life 
I think this is a delightful threesome … sadly so many if not all the second hand bookshops have closed up & regionally we have only two bookshops, 1 independent & 1 national chain. Your threesome all look quite cosy & would be a great way to spend an hour or two browsing & wandering.
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How splendid! I envy you the ability to be near these. Super photos … I’m going to point my DD in the direction of your post!
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I love independent book shops, especially those which specialise in subjects that I’d never thought of. My favourite London book stores have to be Forbidden Planet, Foyles and a small local one near me – which is always willing to order in. I like that you can now order on line through HIVE and collect at the local store which gets a small percentage.
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I’ve been Daunt Books several times on previous visits to London because we stayed near there. We always search out independent book stores when we’re traveling.
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