Continuing our amble around London's independent bookshops
The tale of Clapham Books is one of triumph over adversity. In 2006, a team of plucky bibliophiles bought a failing bookshop on the site of the current store, changed its name, spruced it up and - despite not taking salaries for the first few months and some hairy rent negotiations - made a roaring success. (In fact they've done so well, they're about to open a second branch by Herne Hill station. We'll be along in the fullness of time.)
They pride themselves on stocking books off the beaten track, imports (particularly editions from the US) and they have very strong travel, children's, cookery, art, culture and photography sections. We also spotted (and bought) some interesting selections on the fiction shelves too. With weekly storytime sessions at 11am on Wednesdays, discounts for reading groups and a bustling noticeboard, they're also firmly fixed into the community - which is what you want from your lovely local indie, isn't it?
Clapham Books 120 Clapham High Street has moved to 26 The Pavement. Continue reading for a map, images author's own. Know a good bookshop? Email us at londonist (@) gmail.com.
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