The Most Peculiar Bookshops in London

By Beatrice Morandi 

Summer in London brings long days, warmer weather, and a certain magic to the streets. For book lovers, it’s the perfect time to wander the city, coffee in hand, and discover corners filled with stories. Rather than head to the usual high-street chains, why not explore something more soulful, more peculiar? 

London is a haven for readers, full of eccentric and creative spaces. Among the hidden gems are two standout bookshops that offer more than books - they offer experiences, community, and purpose. 

Word on the Water: A Bookshop Afloat 

Tucked along Regent’s Canal near Granary Square is Word on the Water, a 100-year-old Dutch barge turned floating bookstore. Moored in King’s Cross, this quirky shop draws you in with jazz music from the deck and shelves overflowing with poetry, politics, travel, fiction, and philosophy. 

It was founded by three friends - Paddy Screech, Jonathan Privett, and Stephane Chaudat - "His name was Jon Privett, and he was the first person I ever met on the water when I bought myself a narrowboat 18 years ago.  He had been selling books from his college room, from blankets on the pavement on the embankment bridge, and trestle tables and market stalls in and around Islington for years, and when we talked about being 'bargees'" Paddy recalls. 

Now anchored more permanently, Word on the Water is one of the most beloved indie bookstores in the UK. Beyond its eclectic selection, the barge also hosts live music, poetry readings, and spontaneous literary events. “It’s become a meeting place,” says Paddy. “For book lovers, boat lovers, and anyone looking for something a little different.” 

The Common Press: Inclusive Stories in Shoreditch 

Across the city in Shoreditch, The Common Press offers a very different, yet equally powerful, experience. More than just a bookstore, it’s a vibrant space celebrating inclusivity, queer culture, feminism, and underrepresented voices. 

Lined with works by Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Maggie Nelson, and other powerful writers, the store is curated with intention. “Our selection is made by us, for you,” says a manager. “We prioritize authors who are women, queer, trans, or from marginalised backgrounds. These are the voices that need to be read.” 

The Common Press also doubles as a cozy café, creating a relaxed space for conversation and discovery. “I came in once for a coffee and never stopped coming,” says Lily Kayne, 34, a graphic designer. “It’s like the books find you, not the other way around.” 

For many, it’s more than a shop - it’s a second home, a safe space where books become bridges between people and perspectives. 

A City of Literary Soul 

What unites these two bookshops is their spirit. They are not just retail spaces but places of connection - between readers, ideas, and identities. In an age of fast clicks and digital feeds, they remind us that literature still lives best in places where people gather, linger, and listen. 

So this summer, take the scenic route. Skip the bestseller tables. Wander, float, and discover stories that speak to something deeper. You might just find a book - or a bookshop - that changes how you see the world.