House of Books and Friends

House of Books and Friends is a bookshop with a difference. As well as knowledgeable, friendly staff, a great selection of books and a café with some very nice cake, this place is a bookshop on a mission.

It’s a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to combatting loneliness and social exclusion through events and initiatives such as pay-it-forward. You’re never alone with a book – especially here. The bookworms who work here are always ready to share recommendations, swap favourite authors, and just generally make this a really nice place to be.

This beautiful building used to be the famous Reform Club. It’s peaceful and impressive but not imposing – just the right sort of place to linger for hours. It hosts regular events like book signings, author talks, games nights and gigs. There’s a virtual book club too.