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Calling all bibliophiles and coffee connoisseurs. The most beautiful book cafés in the world have been named – and one is here in London. Perfect for getting lost in your new novel.
Literary platform and magazine 1000 Libraries compiled a shortlist of 16 book cafés around the world, which it says have reimagined the bookshop as an ‘innovative [...] third space’. The publication received over 200,000 votes to determine the top 10 best book cafés, and Paris seemed to be a fan favourite taking up three spots (oh là là!) while London only got one. Perhaps the voters would have chosen differently if they’d checked out Time Out’s complete guide of the capital’s best bookshops, eh?
Named one of the most aesthetically pleasing book cafés in the world was none other than Piccadilly’s Maison Assouline. The shop, which is next door to iconic department store Fortnum & Manson, is the flagship boutique concept store of luxury publishing house Assouline.
A refined refuge where books, design, and a dash of indulgence all come together, Maison Assouline was deemed the eighth-most beautiful book café in the world, according to 1000 Libraries. Maison Assouline was the only book-café from London to be included in the list, with Turkey taking the top spot and France apparently the pinnacle of elegant reading.
The store was opened in 2014 by Martine and Prosper Assouline, founders of the publishing house. Housed inside a former bank, the building was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1922, who also designed the Cenotaph in Whitehall. The Grade II listed building is filled with a selection of curated art, fashion, travel and history books. Plus, there’s plenty of antique furnishings and elegant furniture such as coffee tables, plush armchairs and bar stools from Assouline’s own interiors collection.
Inside Maison Assouline you’ll also find Swan’s Bar, which is a bit more than an in-store Costa – and with prices to match. The bar serves light meals like foie gras and baba ganoush, as well as a wide range of drinks such as a Belvedere-caviar martini setting you back £72.
Comprising two floors and a mezzanine, the book boutique is also available to host private dinners and cocktail receptions, and sells rare first editions of classic literature titles and hosts monthly pop up exhibitions.
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