London Review Bookshop

Unique, homely, healthy and quiet bookshop cafe. The people that work here are effortlessly customer centric and spreading positive vibes. Today I tried the homemade tumeric tonic over kombucha and I highly recommend it. Lightly sparkling with the perfect tumeric kick. Not to be missed! 10/10

just a review of the cafe: - walking in from the bookshop, smell of books fades to a small but bustling little cafe area with plenty of sunlight - drinks are a bit pricey, but they are large. the iced coffee and the turmeric tonic were £4.50 each. the turmeric tonic was very good. fruity, sweet, and refreshing. - they dont allow outside food which was a bit annoying (they informed me in a sorta rude way) so bumping down a star

The London Review Bookshop in Bloomsbury left me with mixed feelings. While its well-curated selection of titles is impressive, the atmosphere feels overly highbrow and lacks the warmth and community vibe. The knowledgeable staff seemed more focused on maintaining an intellectual air than creating a welcoming environment, making it difficult to engage casually or seek personalized recommendations without feeling out of place. It feels like it became too popular, losing its charm in the process. In essence, while it excels in literary offerings, it falls short in creating an inviting, community-focused atmosphere that many book lovers seek. 2 out of 5.

I ordered book online and it was posted the same day which I wasn't expecting right before Christmas. Speedy postage and book was well packaged. I will have drop by the shop sometime, Thank you

I was very, very happy to find the book I was looking for at every major bookstores I came across but couldn't get hold of a copy of. It was on my wishlist for years, and I was thrilled to finally own it!

This was by far one of the best book stores I have ever been to. It has a phenomenal collection of books. I often struggle to find books about science that aren’t of the pop-science type. No lack of them here. They carry great quarterly publications, books by Verso publications and a great section on contemporary politics. 10/10 recommend to any book nerd. Also, they have restrooms if you’re looking for one in the area. Always a plus side.

One of the most decent bookshops in central London, both in scope and range of the books. It is possible to be stuck here for a while because of the cozy atmosphere and interesting books. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as to the literature and bookselling, obviously. Apart from a large range of fine literature and non-fiction, the shop also offers a wide variety of books on different studies, from Classics and Philosophy to Psychology, Architecture and Physics.

Every time I go, I find many new cakes that look delicious. I have tried an amazing chocolate cake. Orange almond cake was so good and tender. Falafel wrap was so good and creative. Prices are medium. The stuff are so friendly. The place is so cosy and relaxing.

Unique, homely, healthy and quiet bookshop cafe. The people that work here are effortlessly customer centric and spreading positive vibes. Today I tried the homemade tumeric tonic over kombucha and I highly recommend it. Lightly sparkling with the perfect tumeric kick. Not to be missed! 10/10

just a review of the cafe: - walking in from the bookshop, smell of books fades to a small but bustling little cafe area with plenty of sunlight - drinks are a bit pricey, but they are large. the iced coffee and the turmeric tonic were £4.50 each. the turmeric tonic was very good. fruity, sweet, and refreshing. - they dont allow outside food which was a bit annoying (they informed me in a sorta rude way) so bumping down a star

The London Review Bookshop in Bloomsbury left me with mixed feelings. While its well-curated selection of titles is impressive, the atmosphere feels overly highbrow and lacks the warmth and community vibe. The knowledgeable staff seemed more focused on maintaining an intellectual air than creating a welcoming environment, making it difficult to engage casually or seek personalized recommendations without feeling out of place. It feels like it became too popular, losing its charm in the process. In essence, while it excels in literary offerings, it falls short in creating an inviting, community-focused atmosphere that many book lovers seek. 2 out of 5.

I ordered book online and it was posted the same day which I wasn't expecting right before Christmas. Speedy postage and book was well packaged. I will have drop by the shop sometime, Thank you

I was very, very happy to find the book I was looking for at every major bookstores I came across but couldn't get hold of a copy of. It was on my wishlist for years, and I was thrilled to finally own it!

This was by far one of the best book stores I have ever been to. It has a phenomenal collection of books. I often struggle to find books about science that aren’t of the pop-science type. No lack of them here. They carry great quarterly publications, books by Verso publications and a great section on contemporary politics. 10/10 recommend to any book nerd. Also, they have restrooms if you’re looking for one in the area. Always a plus side.

One of the most decent bookshops in central London, both in scope and range of the books. It is possible to be stuck here for a while because of the cozy atmosphere and interesting books. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as to the literature and bookselling, obviously. Apart from a large range of fine literature and non-fiction, the shop also offers a wide variety of books on different studies, from Classics and Philosophy to Psychology, Architecture and Physics.

Every time I go, I find many new cakes that look delicious. I have tried an amazing chocolate cake. Orange almond cake was so good and tender. Falafel wrap was so good and creative. Prices are medium. The stuff are so friendly. The place is so cosy and relaxing.

I am one of the few Yelpers who seems to have come here for the books, not the cakes. In fact, upon entering the shop, I was so immediately attracted to the very many excellent and intriguing books, I missed the cafe entirely. (I have no doubt the cafe is excellent, as the reviews here confirm.) The sales staff was absolutely top-notch, and while the staff person was busy identifying several of the books by John Berger that were available, he and I had a nice conversation about Berger. As it turns out, London Review was involved in the publication of one of Berger's recent books, so of course they had it in stock. A truly superb bookshop, for new books, stocked with a highly discerning eye.

Hving read Andrew M's review, I think that I can see a pattern. I too was lured here on the promise of London's best carrot cake and like him, I was to be disappointed when we arrived as they had run out of said cake. It must be good! My friend Sharon brought me here and she is an avid reader. If you love interesting books, this is a treasure trove with books covering a whole multitude of subjects. The staff are excellent at recommending and finding specific books for you There's a little cafe next door to the bookshop - reading can induce an appetitie, don't you know? We snagged one of the little tables and went for alternatives to the disappointingly absent carrot cake. We chose the intriguing courgette and lemon curd cake as well as the mixed berry cheesecake The courgette and lemon curd cake was great - a subtle hint of courgette so as not to be too vegetabley but lovely and moist with more dominant lemon flavour. The mixed berry cheesecake was nice but more conventional Sharon was intrigued enough to try and recreate the courgette cake at home, always a sign of a good dish. Perhaps one day, Andrew and I may get the chance to try teh famous carrot cake

I was browsing this place's Yelp pictures one night and decided pretty quickly that I needed to stop by - which I did the very next afternoon. The entrance to the cafe area is a bit awkward, partially because you need to enter through the bookshop and partially because there's really no waiting area. I literally found myself smack in the middle of the cafe once I passed the doorway. The place is definitely on the small side, and I ended up grabbing a seat at one very large (communal) table. The waiter brought me a glass of water right away, and after browsing the cake display and the tea menu, I decided to go for the pistachio & rose cake, which I paired with the jasmine pearls green tea. The cake arrived first, and I had to try very hard not to eat it before the tea came (I like to wait for everything to arrive before indulging). Fortunately, the tea arrived just a few minutes later on this adorable tea set, which the waiter taught me how to use. On the first bite of the cake, I was immensely satisfied. It wasn't too sweet, and I also appreciated how it was on the denser side but not too moist. However, by the time I was halfway through, the cream/icing on top became a bit too overpowering for me. Don't get me wrong - I still finished the cake no problem, but I would've preferred a larger cake to icing ratio. Now the tea...the tea was REALLY good. The flavor was on the lighter side and not too bitter, which was perfect for me. I thought it paired especially nicely with the cake (it helped mitigate the strength of the icing...a bit like a palate cleanse). The apparatus was another plus since it was pretty fun to use, not to mention incredibly cute. Overall, I enjoyed coming here! I might not get the cake again (especially since it was a bit pricey - 3 pounds for a fairly small slice), but I'll definitely be back for the tea (3.75 pounds, but definitely worth it).

Cafes inside book shops aren't any special occurrence. In my hometown there's pretty much a Starbucks in every single one. But this is not your run-of-the-mill average cafe. My boyfriend is an English student so he loves going to all the different book shops around the city. I often accompany him because I enjoy reading as well. For the London Review Bookshop though, I did not come for the books. I came for the cake. And the cake did not disappoint. I was tempted to order some tea as well as their tea list is impressive. The staff were very knowledgeable about recommending me some good choices to go with my cake but I was on a mission. The day I went they were serving a masala chai cake with walnuts. Pretty much my two favourite food items, I was instantly sold. The cake was really crumbly and moist. The buttercream was soft and subtly sweet. Overall, I was very happy I only wished I had ordered two slices instead of one. Actually, I should have just ordered the whole cake take away! After the pleasant experience in the cafe, I browsed the books and found some very interesting titles. I would definitely come back for the books but they will always be second to the cake.

London Review Bookshop is an independent store, passionate about a good read and a good slice of cake. The bookshop itself holds an eclectic offering, stacked high, and you can help yourself to stair ladders to reach the top shelves. They have an interesting range of off-the-wall titles including good sections on politics, current affairs, travel writing and 'memoirs' as well as a solid classics library. There is a specialist magazine section well stocked with copies of 'Wire', 'Stimulus Respond', the 'Eye' and 'Freize' type reads. To reach the small café you have to pass through the bookshop and it's crowded with literary types (of course) all dissecting their way through the latest read. It has a very knowledgeable 'book-club' kind of atmosphere and the cakes are delicious home made little numbers. They also make artisan sandwiches in focacia bread. Even if you can't get a seat, I'd recommend trying the food to take out. If you can spot the blueberry crumble cake in the window as you pass by, DO NOT miss it! Scrummy!

Located only a stone's throw from the British Museum, in a ferociously academic area of London, The London Review Bookshop is one of London's best stocked, most intellectually rewarding and stimulating bookstores in the capital. As you might expect from a store closely associated with the London Review of Books, many of the publications of this small bookshop are aimed specifically towards students, armchair and real academics. A lot of these books will be hard to find anywhere else so if you're a student struggling to find something for a course then this could be the answer. With excellent sections in literature, philosophy, history and politics, the London Review Bookshop has a distinctly contemporary outlook without foresaking the past. As such you will find very new release publications across all fields as well as more classical pieces. In keeping with the grand tradition of intellectuality, there is also a little cafe located within the shop where one can purchase refreshments at pretty reasonable prices. The staff are wonderful and really know what they are talking about so if you find yourself lost or unable to find something they will do their utmost to help you out. A really first-rate bookstore.

I have been to this bookshop loads of times, and I have to say, well very stocked with book titles I am always looking for, and they always seem to have them. The London Review Bookshop is very unique and it's a very warm and welcoming shop to visit, even if you're just browsing. The London Review Bookshop was featured in the 2004 British thriller film, Enduring Love starring Daniel Craig and Rhys Ifans.

This little bookstore next to the British Museum has a fantastic collection of books, as well as a cafe which is worthy of these five stars. The cafe is in a separate room to the bookstore, and serves a variety of fresh teas such as Darjeeling, Assam and Lapsang, as well as Oolong, White and Green teas. These are accompanied by some wonderful cakes - from I can recommend not one to single out from its comparable peers. They're all yummy in other words. The sandwiches are also pretty good, made with very fresh ingredients and always tasty. The narrow space near the counter is very cosy, and I could easily spend an afternoon surfing the books and reading with a large pot of tea with cake.

Terrific bookshop - no surprise given its association with LRB. The adjacent cafe is fantastic - had a terrific slice of cake with coffee after browsing. In Bloomsbury next to Russell Square - perfect after visiting the British Museum.

I like books. I like tea. I like cake. I like the London Review Bookshop. It really is that simple. I like simple.

Don't come to this bookshop unless you like to read. Because, honestly, you won't find much to like about it unless you do. The place doesn't masquerade as a stationery shop or a newsagent and it won't give you an opportunity to unload your kiddies in any dedicated children's area. It's all about the books. And only the good ones, be they fiction, non-fiction, history, religion, philosophy, literary criticism, classics... The space isn't large. And the selection isn't huge. But the obviously selective book-buying team ensures that every book you'll pluck off the shelves will reward your mind (punish your purse). You'll read the back cover and think, 'I must have this'. And you will.

Fantastic little place. Quite a bit of surprise to what I expected. The bookstore itself is nice. They have a pretty, comfortable size collection of books. The featured books on the tables are carefully selected, not the latest best sellers. The cafe is not so big, but has a really pleasant, kind of a book lovers atmosphere. I wouldn't recommend bringing your laptop to this place. The staff is quite cheerful and has a surprisingly familiar attitude with the customers. Many people seem to be regulars here. Looking at the equipment behind the counter, I wasn't expecting too much from the coffee...but, I was completely wrong. It might not match the best baristas in London, but they certainly come close enough.

My favourite bookshop in London. Makes Daunt look like WH Smith. OK, not really, but, I have never had the experience at other bookshops that I have here. Every single book is worth reading and buying. How rare is that?! It means that I can only venture so far into the shop before being completely overwhelmed, arms filled with books. Total bibliophilic heaven. The cafe is apparently great, but I've yet to score a table (though they have tables outside which will be great once it stops sleeting). Come here with time to spare, money to burn, an intellectuo-literary friend, and enjoy.

I was lured here on promises of the best carrot cake London has to offer. Unfortunately, when we showed up they had run out of carrot cake (which does in hindsight support the claim). Luckily, there was an almond and orange cake that looked delicious so the trip wasn't a complete flop. The venue itself is quite cool and as the name implies is filled with books. Pretty much everything you see is for sale (including some of the art on the walls) and you can browse through books while nibbling on a treat which is really the only way to shop. Speaking of treats, my cake was impossibly moist without being even a touch oily. The citrus notes in the orange enhanced the honeyed sweetness of the cake and the slivered almonds (when I was little that phrase always confused me...who would want to eat almonds made of silver?) provide a great crunchy counterpoint. My lurer opted for a sweet potato and spinach quiche which I had to steal a bite of. It was one of the better quiches I've had in town with silky eggs providing a great foundation for the lush sweet potato and vibrant green spinach. The staff are very friendly and even offer table service. They also are quick with recommendations and some pretty good banter. I'll be heading back after my next Saturday fitness session (sadly this place isn't open on Sundays) for another shot at that carrot cake. If it's half as good as my almond cake, it will definitely be in the running for the City's Best Carrot Cake!

FANTASTIC book collection that doesn't push NYT bestsellers in your face. i could spend a whole day here. the cake shop is fabulous, with friendly staff and daily specials. i'm thinking about switching between here and the british library cafe this summer for some serious dissertation work time in a non-dissertation work place.

I am become devourer of tea cakes. Books. Tea. Cookies. I was by turns entertained by their large Literary Criticism section in the basement, watered by their several tea types (the menu is sheaves of paper containing tea types, sheaves). The tables are a little cramped, though. Be ready to make friends with your dining companions.

This place is great for studying if you can manage to part from your laptop for a while and just sit and enjoy the amazing decor, the quiet chatter, and the array of cakes! There's no wifi or plugs, but with some form of reading or few good conversation mates, this place can definitely keep you occupied for a while! This store is pretty close to my school, and I've come here on a couple occasions to enjoy some cake and tea, and to ease the pain of mind-numbingly dull readings. I've been here mostly when the weather is dreadful so I haven't been able to sit outside, but I have seen their outdoor seating section and will be back soon as the weather is finally warming up in London! The bookshop itself is extremely close to the British Museum, and is a great place to rest and get some good food if you know exactly where to find it, since affordable food or any food at all around the British Museum is basically non-existent. The times that I've been here, the place has been pretty quiet, not extremely packed but there were definitely no empty tables. So don't wait for the lunch rush hour! The prices for the food are decent and the bookshop itself is also really cool and a great place to get lost in all the books on a leisurely day. So come in and enjoy! :D

This little bookstore is so cozy! I was drawn in by the coffee shop, which makes you remember the experience of sitting down for tea and cake before Starbucks rushed us through it. The lady who manages this area is friendly and gives everyone personal service. It is a great place to explore a range of fresh and different teas with the comfort of some old favorites (the bread and butter pudding brightened my day to no end). The book selection also isn't bad for exploring either. My only complaint is that a place is never guaranteed (even on afternoons during the week). Exactly the kind of small shop a book fanatic would love to own.

Damn good brownies! Clearly, I went for the cake shop, but the bookstore was really cute and had some seating, so I expect to be back. This is my favorite books/ food combination...ever.

It had a coffee shop, which looked like it sold pretty cakes, which is what attracted me in, in the first place. Errm, as a bookshop, it's not that big so obviously doesn't have as many books as your average Waterstones or what not. And I've been looking for a number of novels for me and other folks, and hence, I didn't find any of the earlier Murakami. Oh well. Yeah, a bit of an academic vibe - there were two profs chatting prof stuff that I can no longer recall outside the shop. But hey, I'm still a student so I should be down with all that no? No. Loads of books on politcs and current affairs so this'd be a good venture for all you social scientists you. And the teas are just sublime, so take your girls or your friends and sup on some Lapsang as you debate iek, you'll love it. By the Way: Hello to the pretty South African girl behind the counter!

Not a mega-market, but a real bookstore. The selection of great books here is amazing. This is the sort of place that you can come in and browse for hours. This is what bookstores should be like, and the complete antithesis of something like Foyles or Borders. Come here if you love books and want to run your fingers across the spines, and breathe in deep the aromas of new thoughts and ideas. There is also a nice cafe next to this, but it's pretty small and the times I have come in it has been impossible to get a seat. Bottom-line: Best bookstore I know in London.

It's no secret that the big attraction at the London Review Bookshop is their Review of Cakes. The quiet little cake shop adjacent to the book shop always has loads of tasty treats in the case and books to read. It's the sort of set up that encourages discussion and chatter, sitting with work or just grabbing a book off the shelf to enjoy with one of their amazingly indulgent brownies (you can also grab books from the shop to read -- if you promise to put them back). It's usually on the crowded side, but the staff never rush you. And there is also the occasional special offer of hot beverage and pastry for about £3, so you can pass a nice afternoon without spending a lot of cash.

Arnie first said it - but I'll repeat it: "I'll be back." Equally matched for stars is the Bookshop and the Cake Shop. I'm not sure which draws in the crowds more, but it was the cake that first got me in - even though I'm an avid reader so it could just as easily have been the other way round. The bookshop is well stocked and staff helpful and friendly. The Cake Shop was very busy when we visited and it can get a little cramped as the space is smallish but the cakes were delicious. I use the plural here as I went back to try a second variety of cake. Yip, that good. Staff cannot be faulted, so next time you're anywhere near the British Museum - make your detour. They offer a loyalty card which allows you to spend in the cake shop and after a few visits get a discount in the bookshop. I suspect I'll be earning this,

I used to work just round the corner from the London Review Bookshop and it was very hard on my pocket as it's such a great shop. Appearances can be deceptive as the shop isn't very big (though it's over two floors) but is crammed to the rafters with interesting books you just have to buy. Browsers are welcome too so there's no pressure to buy. The staff are very knowledgeable and will listen patiently to your rambling about a review you've read and then (usually) tell you the name of the book you're looking for). I don't work near the shop anymore, but I really miss it!

I initially came here for the pastries, but found London's literary vibe so compelling I had to come back here to buy some books. I came here for tea on a weekday afternoon, and already most of the tables were taken. They have a small selection of savory food, a couple of sandwiches, some soups and salads. Their pastry selection is generally homey-looking, and I had a Victoria sponge cake with a jasmine tea. The sponge cake was quite delicious, with fresh cream and raspberries. I think it's a really nice place to just sit and read your newly-bought book. Speaking of which, I bought a couple of books from the bookstore and I am a happy camper. :D

My new favorite lunch spot in London. This place fills up pretty fast during lunchtime, but if you have time to wander the adjacent bookstore while waiting for a table, its worth it. I am on a white tea kick lately, so ordered the silver needle tea which was served traditionally. The tea was quite cheap for London standards, at 2 pounds a pot. Though I enjoyed my sesame sandwich with goats cheese and cranberry jelly, my friend's quiche with two side salads was even better. The food is fresh and different everyday, service was quite good, and location great for people watching. Will definitely be enjoying this place more often.

This review is for the cafe. I was desperate for a good slice of cake and cup of tea whilst in London (you can't get good cake in DC, where I live), and this place hit the spot in the sweetest of ways. I enjoyed a smooth, flavorful cup of black vanilla tea with a slice of Guinness chocolate cake that paired the bitterness of beer with the tanginess of a buttercream frosting. The cake was daring in its eschewal of too much sugar: an adult cake for an adult tea enthusiast. Well done, London Review!

The independent bookshop par excellence, with a wide range of literature, from poetry to analytic essays. The LRB is a short walk between Tottenham Court Road and Holborn, and once you step in you feel pleasantly isolated from the big city hubbub. Talk about piece and quiet! On the downside, you won't be able to spend 3 hours reading the new edition of your favourite book incognito, like you could elsewhere

A wide selection of books, the London review book shop have a paperback to suit every taste. Speaking of taste, the London Review Cake Shop nestled inside makes the London Review Bookshop an even more seductive prospect: a place to meet, talk, read and enjoy the best tea, coffee and cake in Bloomsbury - and to browse an incomparable selection of good books.

DONT BE LURED INTO THE CAFE BY THE BOOKSHOP! This place has had rave reviews in the past, but sadly the staff now know it. I had the most dismal customer service I can remember. The cafe was busy because it was lunchtime, but the waitress/manager couldn't cope. Instead she rudely told me to read the menu before asking her to come over, and on seeing my reaction to this rudeness continued to make me feel uncomfortable until I left. If the attitude of this waitress/manager isn't bad enough to offend, the clash of constant bolshy shouting in an Australian accent against the calm bookshop surroundings certainly will. The overpriced undersized sandwich (£6 for 4 inches of a baguette, no side) was also typical of a place that thinks it's the best. I think this place has had its time in the limelight. Stick to the bookshop and head elsewhere for lunch.

A favorite! Great selection, and atmosphere is wonderful for browsing titles. I also love the tea shop, the Jasmine Pearl Tea is wonderful!

Brilliant bookstore , great for unusual books. & the most wonderful tearoom !!! Fantastic selection of fine teas, beautiful cakes and clever menu! Lovely lady who runs cafe makes you feel at home. Thankyou

I was quite surprised. The bookshop is beautiful and seems to be the perfect bookshop to find on an undiscovered street next to the museum. Despite how great the actual selection in the bookshop is, I'm afraid that the cafe let me down. The staff told us the cafe closed at a certain time, but one staff member closed the lights on us 20 minutes before shutting to shoo us out. It was disappointing, although the other servers seemed okay.

Great cafe BUT.in such a small place to actually RESERVE two empty tables as they did yesterday so that customers entering could not sit down is v v irritating.That is not how to run such a small cafe.Tables should be available for those there at the time.Its a cafe not a restaurant. v unimpressed.

We just happened upon this bookstore while searching for another shop, and are we glad we did. An eclectic collection of books combined with a wonderful cafe serving reasonable and delicious food. Wish we lived next door rather than across the ocean.

mmm that looks really tempting :D

Great bookshop, very well stocked with various categories. It also has a cafe serving good sandwiches, cakes and teas etc. There is also an outdoor courtyard area which is nice to sit out in in the summer months. A great place to catch up with a friend at lunch.

This is an absolute gem of a place---decent coffee, proper cake, and a nice place to just sit and relax.