FOR THE FOODIE
Books for Cooks, W11
Take thousands of tasty cooking titles, mix in a kitchen-cum-café
to test them in, sprinkle with a
cosy sofa and the result is Books
for Cooks in Notting Hill. Nibble on a three-course lunch menu from Tuesday to Saturday while thumbing through tomes to inspire your own culinary experimentation. booksforcooks.com
FOR THE COLLECTOR
Daniel Crouch Rare Books
and Maps, SW1 Channelling a pared-down contemporary library, this shop in St James's is the place to find a beautiful collection of atlases, maps and rare books in a relaxed environment. It's the stuff cartographers' dreams are made of. crouchrarebooks.com
FOR THE TRAVELLER
Daunt Books, W1
Globetrotters can take a journey back to the Edwardian era at the Marylebone branch, with its beautiful panelled walls and wooden floors. Daunt has six branches dotted across London, which offer the best in authentic travel writing and guidebooks. Perfect for fuelling your wanderlust. dauntbooks.co.uk
FOR THE SOPHISTICATE
The Victoria & Albert Reading Rooms, SW7
Those who like to be a little
different will love browsing the eclectic mix of titles covering everything from fine art to vintage at the V&A's off-site bookshop in South Kensington. Settle down
with a book while nibbling quails' eggs and sipping Prosecco from
the in-store wine bar. vandareadingrooms.co.uk
FOR THE BOOKWORM
The School of Life, WC1
Feel overwhelmed by the choice
of books out there? Drop into this store, set up by philosopher Alain de Botton, and book in for a consultation with a bibliotherapist who will create you a personalised reading prescription for £70. It also runs interesting talks and classes to 'help you live wisely and well'. theschooloflife.com
Plan your Perfect Day in London at facebook.com/britishairways.
