Travelling Through has now permanently closed.
Step inside this unassuming bookshop in Lower Marsh and you’ll find a treasure trove of hidden delights.
Travelling Through is not simply somewhere you’ll want to drop into and leave. As soon as we stumbled across this charming Waterloo locale we knew it was perfect for Secret London. Not only does it harbour a secret coffee shop-cocktail bar, it’s also home to loads of lovely arts and culture events that we know you’re going to love.
Located a quick stroll from Waterloo Station – just cut through the graffiti-covered Leake Street tunnel – this bookstore is the perfect bohemian bolt-hole for stressed-out commuters. Stop by this place before catching your delayed train home and we promise your mood will improve tenfold.
Travelling Through’s extensive collection of travel guides is organised geographically, and with hundreds to choose from, you’ll be able to find something on your next dream destination. Jetsetting aside, there’s also an excellent selection of novels in-store (you’ll need something to read to the beach, after all) and the knowledgeable staff members will happily order you any other book you’d like.
Make sure you head downstairs during your visit, because their cosy basement café is not to be missed. There’s even a garden that’s perfect for making the most of those rare sunny days.
The Bookclub Café serves up a fantastic array of freshly baked goodies (including a tempting selection of vegan treats) to pair with your cup of Peruvian coffee, decadent hot chocolate, or pot of Balcony Tea. Just look at their mouthwatering brownies.
[Instagram @travelling_through]
And not only is Travelling Through the perfect place to while away your day – with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other – they also start serving a selection of very reasonably priced cocktails after 6pm (although check the opening hours because these do vary!).
We suggest heading there for one of their Bookshop Comedy nights taking place between now and March. Tickets cost £5 and there are loads of comedians taking part, just take a look at Vault Festival’s website and book for any event taking place in ‘The Bookshop’.
Honestly, we could go on about all the great things happening here for hours – they host a monthly bookclub and exhibit works from local artists amongst other things – but we don’t want to drone on for too long. We recommend following their Twitter and Instagram accounts for up to date info and literary inspiration.
Oh, and not that this is by any means its main selling point, but Travelling Through also happens to display a charming collection of sandwich board signs that are sure to crack a smile.
If they don’t make you want to sack everything off and spend the day reading then we honestly don’t know what’s wrong with you.
Location: 131 Lower Marsh, Lambeth, London SE1 7AE. See them on Google Maps.
Opening hours: Monday – Tuesday 11am-6.30pm, Wednesday – Friday 11am–9pm, Saturday 11.30am-6.30pm, closed on Sunday.
Entry: it’s free to enter, but cocktails are priced between £5.50 and £9.50, coffees start from £2 and cakes start from £1.80.
More information: head to their website.
Featured Image: Instagram @nelespina
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