London's literary landscape, already famed for historic giants like Daunt Books and Waterstones Piccadilly, has a new global champion. A beloved but under-the-radar shop in the capital has been named one of the 11 greatest independent bookshops in the world by the prestigious Cultured magazine.
A Hackney Gem Earns Global Acclaim
The honour goes to Donlon Books, a unique store nestled on Broadway Market in Hackney. Founded in 2008, it has long been a local favourite, known for hosting book launches, screenings, and readings. Its international reputation was cemented when it was nominated for the list by Aimee Ballinger, founder of Glasgow's Burning House Books.
Ballinger praised the shop's impeccable curation, stating, 'The selection at Donlon Books is absolutely perfect and there isn't a single thing in the whole store that could be considered boring.' The shop has also garnered attention on social media, with one TikTok user describing it as 'one of the best bookshops in London'.
The World's Finest Literary Havens
Cultured magazine's exclusive ranking, compiled from recommendations by bookshop owners themselves, showcases a diverse array of literary sanctuaries across the globe. Alongside Donlon Books, the list celebrates stores with distinct specialisms and rich histories.
In Paris, the iconic Librairie des Femmes was highlighted. Founded by feminist activist Antoinette Fouque in 1974, it serves as a pioneering hub dedicated to literature by women. New York contributed two entries: Dashwood Books, a specialist in contemporary photography books, and Codex Books in NoHo, renowned for its used literary fiction and art titles.
Further afield, the list recognised the resilient spirit of Abu Fatima on Baghdad's historic Al-Mutanabbi Street, a bookseller whose dusty shelves hold rare gems on Arab culture. The selection also included Neurotica Books in Los Angeles for rare titles, Burning House Books in Glasgow for radical and queer history texts, and Monograph Bookwerks in Portland, an artist-run treasure trove.
London's Unmatched Bookshop Culture
This global recognition underscores London's enduring status as a world-class destination for bibliophiles. From the Edwardian grandeur of Daunt Books to the cinematic fame of The Notting Hill Bookshop, the city offers an unparalleled range of literary experiences. The inclusion of Donlon Books on this prestigious list highlights the vital role played by smaller, curated independent stores in fostering community and championing unique voices.
This award proves that beyond the well-trodden paths of London's most famous bookshops, true hidden gems continue to thrive, offering perfect selections and passionate expertise to readers from Hackney and beyond.
