South Kensington Books (London - South Kensington)
Walking to the subway station, I noticed this pleasant little bookstore nestled between a row of bustling restaurants. I’m like a hound; I can smell a bookstore from a mile away, and what a pleasant discovery it was!
South Kensington Books is the quintessential London bookstore. It’s on the ground floor of a beautiful brownstone with an aged light green sign with South Kensington Books scrolled across the front and a charming window display. It screams, “Use me as the exterior of a rom-com!” Before you step through the door, there’s a small shelf offering a selection of books for 50% off. They are brand new but have minor wear and tear from people opening them up on the shelf. I love a good bargain.
I also love a good staff picks section. It allows me to be nosey and see what people are loving and recommending to others. Over the years, I’ve gotten quite a few good books from different bookstores based on the staff picks section. Most of the time they are books I would have never picked up on my own.
They also had a ton of interesting bookmarks scattered around the store. Like these cool ones in the picture.
They also had a bestsellers shelf. Another good curated book section.
Coco Mellors’ “Blue Sisters” is everywhere these days. I attended a book talk with her last month. She was kind enough to sign my copy. Can’t wait to get to it.
The first time we went, it was raining outside and it seemed everyone, wanting to escape the downpour, took shelter inside this bookstore. It allowed me only a short browse before the bumping and “excuse me” became too much. I told myself that I would be back. I didn’t want to judge it upon the first visit. So, my husband and I happened to be in the area last Sunday and made a detour to give this quaint bookstore another chance. Unfortunately, we had a very similar experience. While the bookstore was just as adorable as I remembered, it was too small for more than five people at a time to be inside. Any more than that, let me tell you, you feel it. And no more than one person can be looking at a shelf at a time.
However, for such a little shop, they sure manage to pack it full with quite a large nonfiction section. They also have cookbooks, photography books, and a small kid’s section. There’s something for everyone, just as long as you don’t mind being packed in and waiting patiently for your turn to look.
My husband preciously hiding in an empty corner, waiting for me to be done shopping around.
My advice is to go when they first open, during the week if possible. But I would suggest adding South Kensington Books to your charming London bookstore tour.
Until next time, happy reading!
