A guide to bookshops in south-east London

Moon Lane Ink, which is the sister shop of the award-winning Tales on Moon Lane Children’s Bookshop, is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company on a mission to raise equality in children’s books. Its aim is to stock books “reflecting London’s diverse population in terms of gender, ethnicity, class, disability, socio-economic status, sexual-orientation and culture”.

Leaf and Groove sells second hand, donated books to create an income for Forest Hill Library. In addition to books this Forest Hill bookshop also sells records, as you might have guessed from the name.

Founded by local award-winning author Evie Wyld, this bookshop is a wonderful place to browse. It has been around since 2005, and runs events and conversations with authors. Review is also the driving force behind Peckham Literary Festival.

Kirkdale Bookshop located on 272 Kirkdale, Sydenham, is one of the oldest bookshops in South-East London and has been around for over two decades now. It is a charming community-oriented bookshop that has gradually expanded to two floors over the years and now has an extensive range of new and second-hand books, an engaging children’s section, cards and gifts, and an art gallery- the latter made possible owning to the bookshop’s connections with local artists. This local bookshop is “a combination of award-winning bookshop and cultural hub” – having been awarded best bookshop in the area by Time Out London. If you are unable to find a book you are looking for the staff will order it for you online and can have most books within 24 hours. It also hosts several cultural events including book signings and readings by authors, exhibitions, and children’s events.

This award-winning independent bookshop can be found in the heart of Dulwich Village. It stocks thousands of titles, for adults and children alike. It has also hosted talks with top authors like Philip Pullman, recipe guru Yotam Ottolenghi, travel writing icon Michael Palin, and novelist Graham Norton.