If you’re against the rise of the international book-sellers and want to make a difference, this is for you. Independent bookshops are a sacred haven for book lovers, who can spend hours perusing the shelves and soaking up the atmosphere. Not to mention the person behind the counter giving recommendations is a book lover too, not just a Saturday job teen or an anonymous Amazon reviewer (choosing to believe the one star reviews or the five star reviews is a minefield we have all faced). Or maybe you aren’t a bookshop lover (yet), but you’re interested in the hype. Either way, South London has something to offer.
DULWICH BOOKS
Despite being one of Dulwich’s last remaining independent bookshops, Dulwich Books has made a name for itself amongst locals. A certified hub of all things literary, Dulwich Books offers a wide range of books, expert staff and literary events. It should come as no surprise to find out that it was shortlisted for the British Book Awards 2017 Independent Bookshop of the Year. So head down to Croxted Road, see what all the fuss is about and be sure to use your 10% discount with your South London Club Card.
THE FACTION BOOKSHOP, LEE
A second-hand book shop that is brimming with books, plus the knowledgeable owner is happy to help you find what you’re looking for amongst the endless selection. Located in Lee, The Faction Bookshop claim they have “the fiction and the facts”, which is hard to deny upon entering the store of tightly packed shelves. They just don’t make bookshops like this anymore. If you have an afternoon you want to dedicate to all things books, then look no further. Once you’ve found your hidden gem, head to the till and use your South London Club card to get a 10% discount.
BOOKSHOP ON THE HEATH, BLACKHEATH
Another old-school bookshop set amongst the beautiful Blackheath green and village. Every shelf, nook and cranny is packed with books of all kinds. Bookshop On The Heath offers antiquarian books, children’s books, poetry, history, fiction, psychic studies and even unique, collectable maps. A bookshop firmly stooped in its local culture with a friendly atmosphere and eye catching exterior, this is not one to miss! As you’ve got 10% off in-store books with your South London Club card, you’ll be leaving with your hands full as you take in the lovely scenery on the way home.
HALCYON BOOKS, LEWISHAM
This family-run bookshop offers an extensive range of books as well as a sense of community. It boasts an open plan seating area with hot drinks and light snacks on offer as well as a spacious garden area. Some may say that reading is a solitary pursuit, but Halycon Books seem determined to challenge that with their social, relaxed approach to literature. The staff are very friendly and we’re sure you will feel right at home at Halycon Books. But that isn’t all. Spend over £10 and you can receive 10% off with your South London Club card.
CLAPHAM BOOKS
Boasting an excellent location, Clapham Books faces out onto Clapham Common and shines as a star of Clapham’s independent shops. There is an enormous selection of titles, next-day delivery to the shop and a vibrant team available to chat about your favourite titles. The interior is spacious and welcoming, making browsing the shelves that bit more pleasurable. We bet you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. With 5% off and 10% off purchases over £30 when you flash your South London Club card, you won’t be able to resist making it your regular stop for all your literary needs.
HERNE HILL BOOKS
A beautifully designed bookshop and pillar of Herne Hill’s independent business community, Herne Hill Books is as traditional as they come. Expect large windows, shelves upon shelves of fascinating titles and yes, that fresh-book smell. This is the sister shop of Clapham Books, discernible by its appealing exterior. Whatever book you need, Herne Hill either has it or can locate it. We’re sure you don’t need encouraging, but with your South London Club card you can get 5% off everything. Or, if you’re stocking up, 10% off purchases over £30.
KIRKDALE BOOKSHOP, SYDENHAM
Located in Sydenham, Kirkdale Bookshop is one that prioritises community. Awarded best bookshop in the area by Time Out London, this local bookshop has been thriving since 1966. With two floors of both new and second-hand books, we can see why. They pride themselves on being child-friendly and host story-time sessions on Saturday mornings, so the whole book-loving family are catered for. They also sell gifts and Artwork from the purpose-built gallery. Once you’ve bought your first book from there with your 5% South London Club card discount, you’ll be speeding through the pages so you can dive back into the Kirkdale community.
BECKENHAM BOOKSHOP
This bookshop offers both new and old titles and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can order books in or use their out-of-print search service. Whatever book you desire, it is Beckenham Bookshop's command. Their range of books for children is also particularly impressive, so you can head to Beckenham Books, you know, “for the kids”. Plus, with 5% off everything with your South London Club card, you can get books for the whole family without breaking the bank.
WHAT IS THE SOUTH LONDON CLUB CARD?
The South London Club is a local discount card to help support small independent businesses across South London whilst saving all who live, work & play in South London money! With over 500+ local discounts to choose from, you will discover & explore all the best hidden gems in South London. Join over 5,000 of us & celebrate all that's independent & South London!