holborn | Little London Observationist

When I first moved to London, I adored the tube and everything about it. The novelty fades after mornings and evenings crammed in like sardines next to sweaty bodies, crowds, strikes, fare increases, delays and line closures. There is one thing I still love about it though, and that is the buskers that play their tunes through many of the central stations. I took a photo of this one playing in Holborn. A lot of them have unique instruments and are very talented.

In last Saturday’s Listen to a Londoner interview, Mariano Ortiz recommended Latin American harp and clarinet maestros Diego Laverde and Cheveto Requena at Angel and Green Park stations.

Do you have a favourite London Underground busker?

Hop on the tube and you’ll see Londoners reading, an essential activity when it comes to escaping into your own little world on a crowded morning commute. Being a blog about London written by a book lover, it only seems right to tell you about my three favourite bookshops in the city. Besides the obvious Borders, Waterstones, Foyles and the many used bookshops lining Charing Cross Road, here’s a few to check out:

1) Daunt Books (http://www.dauntbooks.co.uk/)

The Daily Telegraph acknowledged it as “The most beautiful bookshop in London – designed or travellers who like reading.” While the front contains a mix of new books, the rest of the shelves are organised by country or area of the world and are filled not only with travel guides, but fictional novels and non-fiction based in those specific countries. The best branch is the one in Marylebone with its long oak rooms and bright, welcoming skylights.

83 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW

2) London Review Bookshop (http://www.lrbshop.co.uk/)

This one has more of a politics/current affairs-based inventory, but it’s not as dry as that makes it sound. What I love about this shop is the knowledgeable and helpful staff who will go out of their way to make recommendations or find what you’re looking for. Again, lots of novels set in various locations around the world. Also, a nice café attached where you can start on a new book over a cup of tea.

14 Bury Place, London WC1A 2JL

3) Book & Comic Exchange

Unique selection of second-hand books and comics. Not in much of a particular order so fun to trawl through the shelves when you’re trying to escape the chaos of Portobello Market just down the road. Again, friendly staff, even if they can’t find what you’re looking for. There are definitely some treasures buried in here. Don’t forget to check out the basement which is easy to overlook at quick glance.

14 Pembridge Road, Notting Hill, London W11 3HL

Comment with recommendations if you have any!