Unique spots to relax and delve deep into your favourite book in London

American novelist, George R.R. Martin once said “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” Being able to explore the written word is not only a pleasure but it is a true journey. It is our way to experience the past, explore the future and to see the world through the eyes of someone else. This International Literacy Day, grab your favourite book and head out to one of these London spots to relax and read the day away. 

Sky Garden

During your lunch break or on the weekend why not head to London's Sky Garden to escape the city and breathe in the beauty of this green paradise? Full of gorgeous wildflowers and exotic plant life, Sky Garden is the perfect place to hide away as you get lost in the pages of your favourite book. You can find this oasis at the top of the ‘walkie-talkie’ skyscraper on Fenchurch Street, entry is free of charge and tickets are available to book on a weekly basis, up to three weeks in advance of your visit.

Books for Cooks

For the gastronomes amongst us Books for Cooks will have you salivating. Just off Portobello Road in Notting Hill, more than 8,000 tasty titles are on offer. And not only are these cookbooks available for reading, the onsite cafe literally ‘cooks the books’, by putting the recipes to the test for you to try! Rosie Kindersley and Eric Treuille, Books for Cooks' current owners, are convinced that the test kitchen is the secret of the shop's success. They say, "we are able to put theory into practice. Food here is not just something to be perused in books, it is something to be cooked, eaten and enjoyed. We can then really champion the books in which we know the recipes really work. It makes us more than a cook book shop - a shop for all cooks!"

Teatulia

For something a little different, head over to Covent Gardens to a cosy little tea shop called Teatulia. Serving hot drinks by day and alcohol-infused tipples at night, this "unique blend of tea shop, cocktail bar, and literary salon", has a large wall of books on offer. The living room-style seating area located at the rear of the store houses books which constantly change. Every month a different actor, musician, or writer will choose which books will sit on the shelves for patrons to browse and enjoy. All of the drinks on offer are made with leaves picked in the Tetulia Garden, a tea-growing region of northern Bangladesh, and Teatulia is the first standalone store, until now these special products have only been stocked in luxury retailers such as Harrods.

The British Library 

No list compiled for International Literacy Day would be complete without at least one library. And what better option than the world's biggest one! The British Library is so much more than just books, this is a place where culture meets history. It is one of London’s most iconic structures and has been a fountain of knowledge and information for decades, making it the perfect place to explore. Explore the inside of the beautiful building and admire the gorgeous decor as you search for a place to settle down with your book. Don’t worry if you forget to pack your favourite book, the British Library has the biggest collection on the planet! 

As we curl up to read our favourite novel on this important day, it’s imperative that we also acknowledge the amazing gift that is reading. The World Literacy Foundation believes every child should be able to read and write to enjoy lifelong learning and empowerment. You can help to provide children with access to literacy resources, reading programs, and better trained teachers so they can reach their full potential by donating here. 

To enjoy these and other reading spots available around London, join one of our co living London apartments, we offer flats to rent in north London, as well as furnished flats to rent in central London, these apartments are ready to live in, providing you with the ideal one-stop-shop living solution.  Vonder’s apartments are designed for convenience and ease with on-site amenities and facilities.