Indie Bookshop Hub
It’s no secret, everyone loves a speedy Amazon order for the newest release. But we’re all very aware of how detrimental huge chains are for the classic indie bookshop, and as lovers of all things literature we believe we have a duty to help support these independent stores and ensure they stay up and running far into the future!
Please find below a handy list of indie bookstores.
Afrori Books - Brighton
Afrori Books is a shop that specialises in books from black authors with a selection from every genre. Although you can shop online, I really recommend visiting as has such a wonderful atmosphere and events going on. However, if you aren’t able to get down to Brighton, make sure to support them and make use of their online shop!
Submitted by Nikki
Fox Books is a lovely indie bookshop based in St. Martin’s Square in Leicester. If this is a little far for you but you would still like to support them, you can order from them online. They can also take title requests, and will try to get in just the book that you’re looking for.
Pickled Pepper Books - London, N8
Pickled Pepper Books is a specialist children’s bookshop based in Crouch End. With a huge selection of genres and spanning age ranges from baby books to YA, Pickled Pepper Books are encouraging kids to read and demonstrating just how fun it can be. Check out their website to see what events they have coming up, or order a couple of books for your little (or not so little) ones.
Submitted by Laura
BookBar is the absolute pinnacle of what humanity can create if we really put our minds to it - a bookshop wine bar, sign me up. Check out their website to see what’s coming up with their virtual bookclub, check out their live events, and of course make sure to visit and get the chance to settle in with a good book and a choice of wonderful wines.
The Notting Hill Bookshop - London, W11
As the original inspiration for the bookshop owned by Hugh Grant in Notting Hill, I’m sure you can imagine that this shop gets rather packed out by tourists. I really recommend going at off-peak times if you can (winter/mid week) as it’s a delightful shop with the friendliest staff - both of which you can actually see on their quieter days! Their selection of special edition classics are particularly lovely.
Pigeon Books in Southsea is a lovely indie for those of you down East. There is the option to support Pigeon Books by using their code on Libro.fm and getting some free audiobooks. They also have an online shop and are able to order books in for that specific title that you’re searching for.
Submitted by Nikki
The Bookshop on the Heath - London, SE3
The Bookshop on the Heath is a gorgeous treasure trove that feels as if it was pulled directly from a novel, with rooms that wend ever back into the shop. They specify in antiques, with tomes dating back to 1660 - though there is a wide range to be found here and something for everyone.
Missing your fav?
Do you have a favourite indie bookshop that you think deserves more love? Let us know in the form below so we can put them on the list! We want to hear about the glorious bookshops from all over the world. All we need to know is the name of the shop, location, and why it’s so wonderful.