SOHO SPOTLIGHTS: BOOK STORES

Soho has always been a neighbourhood of curious minds and creative energy, and nowhere is that more evident than in its bookshops. From cult comic stores and rare book dealers to design-led magazines and music archives, there are plenty of places nearby where you can discover something unexpected.

Whether you're searching for a rare find, a beautifully printed art book, or simply something good to read over coffee, here are a few of our favourite spots to explore - all within walking distance of Broadwick Soho.

sounds of the universe

LOCATION: 7 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DA

DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 1 minute walk

Just around the corner from us, Sounds of the Universe is a Soho institution. While best known as one of London's most respected record stores, it's also a brilliant place for music books and magazines covering everything from jazz and soul to reggae, electronic and global music culture.

If you're interested in music history, underground scenes or artist biographies, this is the place to browse. It's also the sort of shop where a quick visit often turns into a longer dig through shelves and vinyl crates.

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FOYLES

LOCATION: 107 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DT

DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 10 minute walk

A London literary landmark, Foyles is one of the city's most famous bookshops. Spread across multiple floors, it's the kind of place where you can easily lose an hour browsing everything from fiction and poetry to politics, art and travel.

Whether you're looking for the latest novel or a beautifully produced coffee table book, Foyles is a reliable stop for almost anything you might want to read.

GOSH! COMICS

LOCATION: 1 Berwick Street, W1F 0DR

DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 5 minutes walk

A beloved Soho staple, Gosh! Comics is one of London's best independent comic shops. Inside you'll find shelves filled with graphic novels, illustrated books and independent comics from around the world.

It's particularly well known for its thoughtful curation and support of independent artists, making it a favourite among collectors and casual readers alike.

CECIL COURT

LOCATION: Cecil Court, WC2N 4HE

DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 8 minutes walk

Often called "Booksellers' Row", Cecil Court is a small historic street lined with independent bookshops specialising in rare, antiquarian and collectible books.

You'll find everything from first editions and vintage travel books to film memorabilia and historic prints. Even if you're just passing through, it's one of the most charming book streets in London.

ANY AMOUNT OF BOOKS

LOCATION: 56 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0QA

DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 9 minutes walk

Another Charing Cross Road favourite, Any Amount of Books is known for its wonderful selection of second-hand titles displayed right out onto the pavement.

Inside you'll find shelves filled with literature, history, art books and out-of-print finds. It's the sort of shop that rewards curiosity - perfect for those who enjoy discovering books they didn't know they were looking for.

IDEA

LOCATION: 10 Brewer Street, W1F 0SG

DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 4 minutes walk

DEA is a cult Soho bookshop specialising in fashion, photography and art publications. Small in size but influential in reputation, it's a favourite among creatives looking for rare magazines and beautifully printed books.

Expect a carefully curated mix of fashion titles, independent publications and limited-edition prints.

UNIFIED GOODS

LOCATION: 3 Lexington Street, W1F 9AJ

DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 5 minutes walk

Unified Goods is a design-led space bringing together clothing, objects and a thoughtful selection of books and magazines centred around art, architecture and contemporary culture.

Visits to the store are by appointment, which adds to its sense of discovery. Inside you'll find beautifully curated independent publications and design titles - the sort of books that feel as much like objects as they do reading material.

HENRY PORDES BOOKS

LOCATION: 72 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0BB

DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 9 minutes walk

Henry Pordes is a classic Charing Cross Road second-hand bookshop - the kind of place that feels unchanged in the best possible way. Packed with floor-to-ceiling shelves of pre-loved titles, it's known for its strong collection of theatre, literature and history books.

If you enjoy the thrill of finding something unexpected, this is the sort of shop where treasures often reveal themselves after a little browsing.

THE NOOK

LOCATION: Broadwick Soho, 20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HT

And if you'd prefer to stay in, our private residents lounge, The Nook is a rather good place to settle in with a book. Guests can enjoy a small library of carefully chosen novels and titles, best enjoyed by the fireplace while vinyl spins softly in the background.