The Patrick Hamilton Appreciation Society discussion

Hopefully others will agree that it could be useful to write about bookshops. Possibly giving a guide to others when in strange climes.

I was inspired to start this by a visit to SE London a couple of days ago. Halcyon Books, Lee High Street, Lewisham was a marvel.
Although only a smallish shop it is packed with great books (their online stock is also stored in the same building and they can retrieve those for you), friendly helpful staff, customer toilet (oh so important as I get older), even small seating area and coffee shop (for those who like such things).
I added thirteen items to my 1970s Penguin Modern Classics collection for just £27
https://www.halcyonbooks.co.uk/

p.s. If you do visit Halcyon Books please leave some Penguin Modern Classics on the shelf as I will be going back from time to time.

Excellent idea this thread. I'm recommending Hurlingham Books near Putney Bridge. Fantastic second-hand bookshop. Don't go in looking for anything in particular, and you're in for a treat!
Once you've made your purchases, retire to the Eight Bells next door to enjoy your new companions over a swift pint or two.

https://hurlinghambooks.com/

Another London destination for me, thanks

Another decent second-hand bookshop would be Crofton Books in Brockley at 315 Brockley Rd, London SE4 2QZ.
However, it should be pointed out if you prefer order to chaos these probably aren't for you!

These are great tips


Thanks to you both

I will aim to leave the comforting environs of Brighton and investigate

👏🏼

Youngs Interesting Books, on Skirving Street in Glasgow, is a gem. Barry and Noelle are knowledgable and helpful, and Barry’s dry wit is a joy.

https://m.facebook.com/people/Youngs-...

Books and Beans in Belmont Street, Aberdeen started out as a café with reading material as an extra, and that has grown into a diverse emporium with a huge selection of both fiction and non-fiction. Its sister café Common Sense offers a take one/leave one offer on its shelves.

https://www.booksandbeans.co.uk/

It's very heartening how there are still these gems dotted about the place. Lots of people still love books

There isn't a single bookshop in the town I live in. The next town along the coast, Frinton-on-Sea, has a charity bookshop - take a look if you are ever passing, but I wouldn't recommend it.

So my closest secondhand bookshops are one each in Wivenhoe and Colchester. Thankfully they are both well worthwhile - interesting stock, friendly and helpful owners, nice places to be.

Colne Bookshop, Wivenhoe https://colne-bookshop-wivenhoe.busin...

The Colchester Bookshop https://thecolchesterbookshop.wordpre...

Not meaning to rub it in because god knows I think everyone should have a decent bookshop within staggering distance, but there's a dead good British Heart Foundation books and music shop on Streatham High Street that always bears a half hours mooch.

Brighton and Hove have a few goodies


I’ve got a pretty good Oxfam Books within a 10 minute walk and downtown Brighton has a couple of troves

Thanks for the recommendations CQM. I visited Hurlingham Books and Crofton Books yesterday. They were both worth a visit and I will return when I have the chance.
I didn't buy much as my purchasing is highly selective at the moment, just one book from Hurlingham

Nigeyb wrote: "Brighton and Hove have a few goodies


I’ve got a pretty good Oxfam Books within a 10 minute walk and downtown Brighton has a couple of troves"

Ace!

I visit Norwich a few times each year, it has quite a few bookshops but my favourite is Tombland Bookshop. Even their bargain £1 shelves outside usually have books of interest
https://www.tomblandbookshop.co.uk/