This Oxfam is a bookstore, as the categorizing above implies. Hmmm what to say about it besides…read more"It has books, tomes, novels, literature, reading material, bound documents..." Maybe I could say "It also has a wide selection beers on tap and wines in bottles," but then I'd be fibbing. There is a surprising good selection of books here well organized into section. There was even one fashion book, which is unusual for secondhand bookshops. There was a good chunk of travel guides and, of course, infinite walls of fiction. The prices are good, the money helps out those in need, what more motivation do you need? (Okay, but a free ice cream waiting at the other end, but let's ignore that for now because there's no such thing as a free lunch and you'd be taking money away from those who need it more.)

I'm surprised I haven't reviewed this bookshop before, seeing as it has become my go-to place when…read moreI'm in the market for a book (which is always). It does what it says on the tin - it's a second hand book shop, run by Oxfam. The beauty of it lies in the fact that: a) it's pretty big for a charity shop and seems to have books on every subject (seriously) b) it sometimes stocks uncorrected proofs of books that have very recently been published, which means that it manages to be a 2nd hand bookshop that stocks current bestsellers c) it's almost never busy. It's well worth a visit - happy reading!

Stephen's replies to my grumpy review are pretty fair, I guess…read more Power to him for replying!

If any of you know that show 'Black Books', then this shop will be reminiscent of the one in the…read moreshow. It is a lovely shop which reminds you of a simpler time. They have lots of books, antiquarian and rare books, fine bindings, children's illustrated and first editions, prints, postcards and ephemera. It feels crammed but I don't mind this when it comes to books because it adds character and uniqueness to the shop. You can also take any old books and exchange them, or even sell them. It's like adding to a library were the smells of moist paper and wood are enticing and overwhelmingly delicious. (No, is not food but it really is special) It also helps that this shop is one of the oldest in the high road, dates back to 1800s. Being what the books are can make them expensive, for instance a 1930s alphabet and image book in french can cost £48, but you can find cheaper books like Joan Miro's Sculptures for £17. Even if you don't want to buy anything the sense of history and longevity is palpable.

When I used to live in Brixton, I would try and visit Book Mongers at least once a week. Now,…read moreunfortunately I don't have such easy access, but it still remains to be one my favourite second hand bookstores. Rather inconspicuously hidden down the Brixton entrance of Coldhabour Lane, Book Mongers is like a little romantic vision of the bohemian bookstores you come across in films: it's small and poky, the salesmen are always friend and give good honest advice, and the books are stacked up as high as my head (and I'm six foot three inches tall). Despite the the fact the prices seeming to have gone up over the past couple of years, it's still invariably cheaper than a lot of second hand bookstores I have come across, and I always manage to walk out with something exciting. The sections range from European Literature, Philosophy, and even a special section devoted to Irish literature. One pointer though, the books aren't shelved in alphabetical and there's quite a lot of piffle to sift through before finding the read you are after; but if you're like me, you'll find the thrill of the chase even more rewarding.

Brixton Bookmongers, 439 Coldharbour Lane…read more Brixton Bookmongers is my favourite bookshop in the capital. At first glance it is a bit chaotic with piles of used tomes stacked beside crammed shelves. However after a closer inspection it becomes apparent that the owners really know their books. Obviously changing with what they buy, their fiction shelves can range from Annie Proulx to William Gaddis, Dennis Cooper to Pablo Neruda. It really is a delight for the Cult Fiction fan. That said it also has excellent Music, Academic and Crime sections if my memory serves me correctly. I can say that I have regularly stumbled across many hard to find and out of print titles and their stock is regularly full of quality reading material. Essential for the city bookworm!

This is a beautiful tucked away antique and second hand bookshop…read more It is so full of books that it can be a bit hard to know where to start, but the owner is lovely and extremley helpful, should you want something specific. There are a lovely combination of really beautiful old books, second hand bokos to read, and prints of the Thames and Henley.

Tis is what a bookshop should be…read more Brilliant owner with fantastic customer service, staff know locals names and a nice selection of books. There is a great range for kids, adults, garners, teenagers, designers... the list goes on. Come here for your books, and if you cannot find it speak with the owner. They may be able to order it for you.

I've been living in Kennington for 10 years, and I usually go to Due Amici Garden Cafe, but I…read moredecided to try this place next door--and I regretted it the moment I walked in. As soon as I sat down at a table with two chairs, I was immediately scolded and told to move to an uncomfortable window seat that felt like sitting on a roadside bollard. When I moved back to my original table, I was met with scrutiny from the manager, while he was casually chatting with other customers--who, by the way, were also sitting at two-chair tables without issue. At the end, the manager lectured me about waiting to be seated, revealing that he had taken offence from the start because I "ignored" a sign I never even saw. He was insistent on having the last word, and that attitude was the last straw. They seem to think they're running a fine dining restaurant rather than a café in Kennington. This kind of snobby gentrification is not welcome here. And then there was the food. For £19, I got a tiny portion of rocket salad, some tasteless beetroot hummus spread so thin it could have been a spill, and a coffee served in a cup so small it was barely a sip. Yes, I sat at a table for two, and it seems they charged me for two as well. This place is an absolute rip-off. The staff are rude, entitled, and unwelcoming. Avoid it. Terrible vibe, service from a mouthy stuck-up wanna be Michelin concierge. The restaurant next door is friendlier, cheaper, and infinitely better.

We had a delicious breakfast with fresh squeezed OJ, banana bread, a huge croissant, and a protein…read morebowl. When there is good weather, you can sit outside on the beautiful patio. It was a new favorite place.

I went to Pages of Hackney to buy a present for a friend of mine who is a woman…read more The person who served me (a woman in her mid-30s with long black hair) suggested a new book about feminism. I said my friend wouldn't read a book about that subject. Well - the clerk didn't take that lightly and said that no woman is uninterested in feminism. And it was probably me not liking the subject. For the following 5 minutes, she behaved incredibly grumpy and was of no help. Ultimately, she went behind the counter and stopped helping me in the most unprofessional fashion. I didn't give her nasty provocations any space and kept doing my thing. After all, I was there for my friend. Eventually, I found an interesting title, paid and left. On my way out, I noticed another book in the window that I thought would have been a much better choice. So I went straight back in and asked the lady if she knew anything about the book. Unfortunately, she didn't. So, I grabbed my phone and checked the reviews online. The woman didn't miss the opportunity to be nasty once again. And in a very snobbish and pseudo-intellectual way, she said, "Oh wow! So you trust reviews on Google?" YO! I JUST ASKED YOU TO GIVE ME YOUR REVIEW OF THE BOOK, AND YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THAT. Of course, I will trust the reviews of a thousand people who read the book over your bloody ignorance. Don't you think? GROW UP, GIRL. I know it's hard. But it would help if you make an effort. Grow the f* up!

Great bookshop. I went there for an event with the author Owen Jones and for £3 you get an…read moreinteresting evening topped off by a glass (or glasses, as some guests had refills) of wine. Afterwards a friend of the owner so very convincingly raved about what a good book 'We need to talk about Kevin' is that I left with a second hand copy of said book. The staff were all very friendly and lovely and made everyone feel welcome. They have a great selection of books, a special mention goes to the extensive travel book section the owner is apparently a well-travelled bloke and it shows. It is the kind of place you want to return to not because you really need a book but just because you want to support such wonderful independent shops and simply enjoy being in a shop with friendly staff who know what they are talking about and are happy to help.