Daunt: the Best Bookshop in London
- Philip Bryer
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
On a trip to London recently to visit the Charles Dickens Museum (more of which in an article which will follow soonish), a friend advised me to call into Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street.
Good advice it was too: it is a glorious space, boasting impressive oak galleries, elegant skylights, and a thoughtfully curated range of books. I suppose the only drawback to a bookshop being located in such a beautiful setting is that it was occasionally tricky to reach the shelves due to the sheer number of young ladies (mostly) from China (overwhelmingly) who were intent on striking thoughtful poses against a backdrop of stylish-looking volumes while their companion recorded the moment for posterity on a smartphone. I paused to give a pair of them some space to complete the shoot, though when minor adjustments were required and a lighting expert and focus puller were called in while the star retreated to her luxury trailer, a concerned shop assistant stepped in to enquire whether I’d like him to help by moving them on so I could “actually look at some books.” As I was feeling unusually benevolent and had been granted the gift of patience (at least in that moment), I offered up the argument that I used frequently at peak tourist times when I worked in Bath: it’s great to work in a spot that so many people find attractive. I believed it most of the time too.
He asked if I was looking for anything I particular and I mentioned that I had an upcoming month-long stay in Sicily, but I didn’t want a guidebook. What I sought was a bit of social history or background, something about the people and the culture. Quick as a James Patterson sequel, he poured forth recommendations and I came away with ‘The Honoured Society’ by Norman Lewis. Was I familiar with the Lewis? Indeed I was, I replied, sounding, in retrospect, rather too pleased with myself as I cited ‘Naples 44’ as a particular favourite. Also in my rather sweaty paw (it was a steamy 30°C plus in London that day), ‘The Normans in the South, 1016-1130: The Normans in Sicily Volume I’ by John Julius Norwich — which, if left to my own devices I might have ruled out for being too ‘heavy’, but the helpful chap assured me otherwise.
As I approached the till, I paused to whip out my phone and took a couple of hurried snaps of the store’s marvellous interior (once I had placed a suitable distance between the assistant and I, and had ensured his back was turned, of course).
One of the Chinese girls was in front of me. She didn’t have a book to buy, but she did ask for one of the large canvas Daunt-branded bags (at £15 a pop, no less). When I placed my books on the counter, the man on the till took one look at the Norman Lewis and said brightly, “Can’t go wrong with that!” Of course, it made me feel good and we concluded our business all-smiles. It occurred to me afterwards that it could just be a bit of smart, catch-all customer sweetener: “Can’t go wrong with that!” would work whatever the book, wouldn’t it? But I prefer to believe that he was simply another one of Daunt’s highly professional and supremely knowledgeable team.
As for the Chinese girls, if they’re happy to spend big on souvenir bags and contribute to keeping this wondrous place in business in the face of bloodsucking competitors who don’t pay their fair whack in taxes, well, what’s a couple of photos between friends?
Daunt: the best bookshop in London.
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