Brick Lane Books

Established in 1978 as a community project, this lovely little bookshop was first based in Whitechapel and known as the Tower Hamlets Arts Project. It’s gone through numerous iterations since then, first becoming Eastside Books before a third name change after moving to its current location on Brick Lane. It stocks a great range of fiction, local history and the usual non-fiction sections, along with cards, wrapping paper and gifts. The shop has played an important role in its local community from its beginning – you can read all about this on its website – and these days hosts various community events, including an annual short story prize, monthly book clubs (with discounts on the selected books for members), regular writers’ workshops and book launches. It offers free delivery to any residents in the borough with orders over £15. No surprise, then, that the shop was named as as London’s regional winner in 2024’s Independent Bookshop of the Year awards.