The Best Independent Bookshops In Notting Hill And Bayswater

West London is home to beautiful stuccoed old buildings, rarefied streets and famous markets. However, it should also be the first stop on the list for any self-respecting literature fan, due to its high quality independent bookshops.

1. Lutyens & Rubinstein

Bookstore, Park

Part bookshop, part literary agency, Lutyens & Rubinstein is for serious book lovers only. Subtitled “Books and Other Necessities” on their website, this bookshop on Kensington Park Road specialises in quality fiction and non-fiction books with excellence in writing. The bookstore was founded in 2009 by two literary agents and carries a core stock comprised of books they love or that were recommended to them by fellow readers.

2. The Notting Hill Bookshop

Bookstore, Shop

Find some of your favourite books—and discover new favourites—in The Notting Hill Bookshop on Blenheim Crescent. Made famous in Richard Curtis’s film Notting Hill [1999], this independent shop is definitely worth a visit and is most notable for its famous travel department, perfect for international adventure seekers.

3. Dechen London

Bookstore, Buddhist Temple

Find your zen at Dechen London on Chepstow Road. Specialising in Buddhist books and exclusive prints, it should be the first stop for any practitioner of Buddhism or anyone who is simply curious. In the heart of Notting Hill, Dechen London also offers events, such as book launches, film nights, cultural discussions and more.

4. Book and Kitchen

Art Gallery, Bookstore, Market, Shop

Imagine a world where literature and cooking collide, and you’ve got West London’s Book and Kitchen. Located in a bright and airy shop on All Saints Road, this is a special destination for food and book lovers alike. In addition to selling books, the shop also contains a small café and art gallery and hosts literary evenings, supper clubs and music nights, among many other things.

5. Al Saqi Books

Bookstore

Located in Westbourne Grove, Al Saqi Books is dedicated to all things Arabic and the Middle East. Since 1978, Al Saqi has stocked a selection of English books about the Arab world, as well as a wide range of books in Arabic. Whether you’re a student, Arabic speaker or simply curious about this fascinating region, Al Saqi should be your first port of call.

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