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Lovely Book Clubs In London
Where to natter away with fellow lit lovers in the capital
By | 7 days ago
Looking to join a book club? You’ll be spoilt for choice: these days bookworms are gathering in pubs, parks, bookshops and trendy venues across the city. Whether you’re into non-fiction, contemporary literature or the classics, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best book clubs in London…
The Best Book Clubs In London
1. BookBar Book Club
The little independent BookBar bookshop is situated in Islington, home to a wine bar and a plethora of gorgeous books, with a dollop of friendliness for good measure. The monthly book club is entirely virtual, focussing on new-release paperbacks and inviting the author to lead the book club discussion. Past authors include Ann Patchett, Brit Bennett, Elif Shafak, Natasha Brown and Meg Mason. One-off tickets priced at £18 or buy a membership for £15 per month. bookbar.com
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2. Rebel Book Club
In 2015, founders Ben Keene and Ben Saul-Garner set up Rebel Book Club after noticing a gap in the market for non-fiction focused book clubs. Operating in both London and Bristol, meet-ups take place monthly both virtually and in-person, and every month you’ll be sent a voucher for a non-fiction book – voted for by members – which you’ll discuss with fellow RBC members while sipping on book-inspired cocktails at a unique venue. Sometimes the author will be present, either via Skype call or in person, with upcoming themes including digital minimalism, religion, mortality in the modern world and personal finance. rebelbookclub.co.uk
3. Emily’s Walking Book Club
Each month, journalist and writer Emily Rhodes leads a group of book lovers around Hampstead Heath – come rain or shine – and she’s been doing so for over a decade now. The thinking behind it is you’re more relaxed when walking, so conversation flows better. Books up for discussion are planned in advance and you can book your place on the walk or for a Zoom discussion on her website. Don your hiking boots and turn up to Daunt Books in Hampstead, the starting point for your hearty walk. emilyrhodeswriter.com
4. Brixton Book Group
A friendly, informal book club, Brixton Book Club has been going strong for years. Members meet in a pub in Brixton once a month, where they’ll chat about a wide range of books – all are welcome to pitch suggestions. brixtonbookgroup.com
Pages of Hackney
5. Pages of Hackney
An independent book shop opened over 10 years ago, Pages of Hackney has scooped up a number of awards over the years. Alongside its impressive collection of books – which includes a carefully curated selection of vintage numbers – they run a popular monthly book club, as well as various author events. pagesofhackney.co.uk
6. Clapham Girls Book Club
Just moved to Clapham and looking for some new pals? Clapham Girls Book Club is the place for you. They organise monthly meet-ups, where you’ll discuss a chosen book, with past events focusing on novels like This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay, Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, and The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin. But it’s not all about the books – there are also casual social events, designed to encourage Clapham ladies to bond outside of literature discussions over cocktails or brunch. meetup.com
