Daunt Books - Marylebone

By now an institution among London bookshops, the Daunt store on Marleybone high street is an absolute delight, visually and intellectually. Edwardian architecture spread across three floors, lined with oak balconies. In the back, staring imposingly at readers passing by, a beautiful stained-glass window. And glancing down at you, an even more astonishing conservatory ceiling. The books covering every corner of this store add a touch of coziness to this grand building and you will soon find yourself lost browsing through the latest paperbacks on display or even better, venturing into the travel section. And travel is what this bookstore is really all about.

Daunt caters to all travel aficionados, proudly displaying a section for most countries on the globe, complete with guides, maps, current affairs books and, most importantly, fiction to get lost in. Daunt makes every fiction lover’s dream come true. Heading for a holiday to the South of France? No worries, Daunt books has F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'Tender is the night', set on the lovely Côte d'Azur, waiting to give you a hint of romance and adventure long before you’ve embarked on your flight. Off to New York for the weekend? You may want to indulge in the pages of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ for a classic delight or, if you fancy a more contemporary twist on the city that never sleeps, Bill Hayes’ ‘Insomniac city’ is a must. 

Last but not least, Daunt also hosts regular talks with renown authors, so make sure to check their website for the latest events.

If Daunt books were a restaurant it would have at least 10 Michelin stars. So go on, indulge your intellectual taste buds and be prepared to savour every last bite. 

A beautiful Aladdin's Cave of books! If, like me, you believe there is a perfect book for everyone and every occasion, this place will not disappoint. With a massive choice of books and friendly staff, it's possible to spend many an hour/day/year here! 

Basically, I had my face in a million books just sniffing them until I'd had my fix. Sounds odd I know, but if you go you'll see what I mean. A treat for the eyes, candy for the mind, like slipping back into a familiar pair of shoes that never go out of style.