Books For Cooks

Often overlooked or mistaken for 'the' Notting Hill Bookshop, is this local gem specialising in cookbooks or any other combination of the written word and the culinary world, with an extensive range and a warm, cosy interior that embraces you like a long-awaited airport hug. The lady seated at the counter, who I presumed worked there, was incredibly friendly and some of our group immediately fell in love with her, though they never admitted it but I saw a glisten in their eyes that usually reserves its aim for an ice cold Great Northern after mowing the lawn on a sunny Australian Saturday afternoon. Real life Hugh Grant would be more likely to visit this store, as I understand he is a wiz in the kitchen, but I can't speak for Julia Roberts as I have never met her.

Excellent little bookshop devoted to cooking. While they have an impressive range of current cookbooks, what most intrigued me was their collection of second-hand, out-of-print editions that you won't find elsewhere. I picked up three titles, all published over 50 years ago, for just £9! A friendly gentleman (français, peut-être?) was running the shop. Definitely worth a browse if you are in Notting Hill.

Wonderful place for a foodie! In this shop you can only buy cookbooks but also have a nice lunch. Be aware the bookshop is open all week and weekend but don't serve food on Saturday! Be on time to take your seat for lunch, they don't take reservations. There is also just one dish, they cook from a cookbook. Make sure you leave room for a dessert, they have delicious cakes every day to choose from.