London is a paradise for any bookish Barrys, paperback Pollys or literature Lizzies. The city is brushed in the power of words and really has it all: themed bookshops, pretty collections, and even bars filled with the latest fiction.
Can we definitively name the best bookshops in London? Nonsense! There are far too many, each with their own eccentricities and flair. But the biggest? That’s an objective fact, and the title belongs to Waterstones in Piccadilly, which just so happens to also be the largest in Europe.
While the building isn’t the oldest of the bookshops in London, it has been around for a while, dating all the way back to the 1930s. It’s inevitably changed inside since then, but the store is now receiving a makeover so it can continue serving Londoners their favourite reads with added pizzaz and shine.
Waterstones Piccadilly took to social media to announce the news and share the first images of the revamped first floor.
They said: “Our first floor is looking brighter and better than ever after undergoing a first-class makeover. Our magnificent shop was built in the 1930s, so it is important that we preserve and give it the TLC it deserves.”
And who was on hand to come for a signing event just after the space had been spruced up? None other than Zadie Smith, who signed copies of her brand new novel The Fraud on its day of publication (September 7).
It’s also not done there for the Waterstones Piccadilly makeover.
“We are now currently working on making the other half of first floor & second floor look just as beautiful for the best browsing experience possible!” they added. “Note that as a result, some sections will not be in their usual places. Please refer to signage, or ask a bookseller for help.”
Watch this space for details about the fully-formed glow-up upon its completion. ‘Til then, settle down in front of the fire (summer is nearly over, losers) with your copy of Frankenstein—it’s Halloween soon, after all!