The past months have been packed with work. But the next big projects are not due until Q4 so this boy can play again.
Brixton is the kind of neighbourhood you would see featured in an edgy travel show. It is loud, lively and vibrant but not safe enough at night to be called gentrified (seriously, avoid walking here at night, especially alone). If you have ever been to San Francisco in recent years, think Mission but with less junkies. Looking for amazing Afro-Carribean food? This is the place. Colourful food stalls? Brixton has your back. Looking for a chill used bookstore to kill an hour or two? Well, good for you: Let me introduce you to BookMongers.
The small storefront is rather misleading. Enter and you will be greeted by a spacious, elongated grotto filled to the brim with books. In the far back you will find a nook with a sofa though I am not sure whether it is for customers or their cat (if you have an allergy you might want to stay away). I didn’t bother looking for it thought because I am a firm supporter of Team Dogs. While it doesn’t smell like cat in here, there is a smell of incense, probably to mask the smell of cat.
Despite the quantity of the books the owner does pay attention to quality. In contrast to so many other place you have to look hard for any tattered copy. This is not a place you frequent because you are looking for vintage or antique treasures. BookMongers focuses on more recent (last 2 decades-ish?) literature of any kind. Or I should say, more recent editions. Softcovers, to be even more specific.
What surprised me is that they are still able to maintain such a diversity despite this. Most of the titles I was either unfamiliar with or I was surprised to see them at all. I don’t think I have ever been in a place that had more than one book by the Strugatsky brothers. And don’t get me started on their non-fiction section.
Verdict: Chill and definitely worth the trip. Just stay away if you are allergic to cats or dogs OR if you are looking for old books.
Location
BookMongers is just 5 min from the Brixton underground station. Because it is the final stop for the Victoria line, it can get pretty crazy in the late afternoon so plan you visit accordingly.
Contact
439 Coldharbour Lane
SW9 8LN
London, UK
020 7738 4225
[email protected]
Hours
10.30-6.30: Monday to Saturday;
11.00-5.00: Sunday