Curl up with a good book at these five cosy library bars

Grab a good book, something boozy and get cosy at one of London's best library bars.

THE DRAWING ROOM

 

A photo posted by Ciaran Bennett (@cben747) on Feb 28, 2015 at 9:52am PST

A seemingly ordinary bookcase at BFI Southbank hides the entrance to Benugo’s intimate cocktail bar, where hardback tomes line the walls. Order something whiskyish, grab your title of choice and settle in for the night. BFI Southbank, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT. 􀀀Waterloo.

THE SOCIETY CLUB

 

A photo posted by Noell (@noell_r) on Nov 11, 2015 at 12:57pm PST

This café-bar-bookshop-gallery has a ‘living room’ vibe that’s a welcome respite from modern Soho. The evenings are reserved for members, but in the daytime it’s open to anyone with a predilection for good books. 12 Ingestre Place, W1F 0JF. Oxford Circus.

BUSH THEATRE

 

A photo posted by Natalie Beech (@nataliecheeb) on Nov 12, 2015 at 10:14am PST

The excellent Bush Theatre moved into the old Shepherd’s Bush Library in 2012. The walls are stacked from floor to ceiling with shelves of play texts to peruse with your pints. You’ll be slurring Ibsen and shouting Beckett at strangers before the night is out. 7 Uxbridge Rd, W12 8LJ. Shepherd’s Bush Market.

THE GORRINGE PARK

 

A photo posted by Lucía Salcedo (@lutchna) on Jun 15, 2015 at 4:12am PDT

This sterling gastropub is full of surprises. As well as the basement cinema, there’s an upstairs library where you can curl up with a pint and a paperback. 29 London Rd, SW17 9HW. Tooting rail.

FAR ROCKAWAY

 

A photo posted by NeighbourhoodSpidey (@neighbourhoodspidey) on Oct 25, 2015 at 4:31pm PDT

The explosion of garish Americana feels more like Vegas than the East End. Which makes Far Rockaway the perfect spot for a dedicated comic-book library. Settle in to read about superhero exploits, washing the adventures down with beers and burgers. KAPOW! 97-113 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3BS. 􀀀Old St.

Unwind at one of London's cosiest bookshops.

Or ditch the books and check out London's best pubs and bars with open fires.