Notting Hill, is a special place and many Londoners find themselves being drawn back to this part of the city time and time again. Beyond the famous market and colourful houses, it’s full of proper hidden gems. If you’re tired of the usual chain cafes and fancy finding a spot with real heart, you’ll want to know about this place.
We’re talking about a bookshop, but this one is entirely dedicated to cookbooks. And the best part? It’s a bookshop that you can actually eat at. Hiding in the back is a small kitchen where you can taste the recipes before you even buy the book.
A “Try Before You Buy” Kitchen in Notting Hill
Books for Cooks, owned and run by Eric Treuille and his wife, Rose, who, in a very Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts way, actually met in the bookshop. As Eric explains, this isn’t a restaurant, but the real magic happens in the test kitchen at the back.
Four times a week, the team tries out different cookbooks and serves lunch to customers. It’s the ultimate “try before you buy” experience. The shop itself is a food lover’s dream, with shelves filled with every kind of cookbook you can imagine, arranged by country on one side and by subject on the other. But it’s the smells from the back that really draw you further inside.
The bookshop has a lovely story, too. It was started back in 1983 by a lady named Heidi Lascelles. Eric first got involved as a customer. As mentioned, it’s also where he met Rose, who was working in the shop at the time. When Heidi eventually retired, Eric and Rose bought the shop, continuing its legacy.
How does it work?
If you fancy grabbing a bite, you need to be prompt. Lunch starts at 12 o’clock sharp. They don’t take bookings, so you’ll have to queue up with other hopeful diners. For Eric, seeing the queue is the “best part” of his day. The food is always offered as a set three-course meal, and you don’t get to choose your starter or main. There are also no substitutions or dietary adjustments.
They have a bit of a weekly rhythm: Tuesdays are vegetarian and Fridays are fish , with “anything goes” on the days in between. Our team took a trip to Cooks for Books and described their meal as “likely the best value meal you can find in the city”.
The atmosphere is just as much a part of the experience, with shared tables that bring together locals and tourists. Our videographer Tom, was even lucky enough to sit with two generations of Eric’s family. As Eric says, no matter what you talk about, “Everybody is happy to talk about food”. It’s this communal, wholesome feel that makes it so unique.
You check out our experience here:
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While you’re in Notting Hill, you might also fancy having a wander down Portobello Road market or finding a classic local pub for a drink.
Practical Information
📍 Books for Cooks, W11 1NN , Notting Hill.
⏰ Lunch starts at 12 o’clock sharp. They serve until they finish.
💸 The three-course lunch costs about £10 per head, including a coffee.
📅 Bookings are not taken, so be prepared to queue.
🍽️ The menu is set: Tuesdays are vegetarian and Fridays are fish. No substitutions or dietary adjustments are offered.
Books for Cooks offers a proper wholesome feel that’s hard to find elsewhere in London. It’s a wonderful place to discover new recipes and share a table with fellow food lovers.