The Beckenham Bookshop

As it’s “Independent Book Shop Week” I had decided to save up the gold medallions and buy in person, as opposed to ordering online. (Now as a reclusive Witch, in a still plagued land this is a pretty big thing for me!)

I love Beckenham Bookshops window displays, always on point and always inclusive & diverse.

On walking in, I was greeted with a warm welcome and then given the time and space to browse freely. (As someone with social anxiety this was wonderful!)

My niche being spooky, kooky, magical, fantastical, weird & wonderful children's books I was impressed with the variety on offer!
Board books, picture books, early readers through to YA with newly published items and some slightly older offerings that are ripe for discovery.

There is a great selection of funky gifts/ cards and additional items also.
Purchasing was a lovely experience; was offered a loyalty card and lots of generally nice, human interaction.

This is the reason I shop small, shop local wherever possible.

I honestly cannot wait to visit during
🎃 SpOoKy SeAsOn 🎃 to see the displays & buy all the books!

Thank you to all the human folk who make having a physical bookshop open in the high street, possible.

✨🖤✨

Went to this delightful local bookshop as part of the Beckenham Art Trail. As well as looking at the art on show I had a good mooch around the shop so will certainly be going back especially as they do a quick ordering service.

My friend (who showed an exception card) was shouted at and discriminated against. The shop keeper was shouting at her, saying "get out of my shop!" in front of young children. What type of a message is this shop trying to send? It is unlawful to ask anyone to show their exemption card, and also unlawful not to accept someone with an exception. This was my first time in the shop and I will never go there again. My child is still traumatised by witnessing this behavior and says that it's the most horrible person she has ever seen. Please do not support this shop as the way they run business is unethical. I will be reporting them to the BBB.

**Note, I never spoke with the owner as I was standing at the entrance while all of this was happening. So, I am reporting this as a witness.

I had excellent service here- I had no idea what books to buy three American children ranging from 4-8 and the assistant was extremely helpful.
I didn't get her name but a big thank you

The most rude and unprofessional attitude towards the client I have ever experienced! It was my first time at this shop as I try to support more and more local businesses, given the current situation. However, if the owner continues to shout at people, the shop will literally loose all customers. Well, my family and I will certainly not go back there nor I ever recommend to to any friends. A little bit of manners wouldn’t hurt anyone!!

Great independent local bookshop. Broad range of authors, genres etc. Beautiful range of cards, calendars etc. Constricted by size but if they do not have it, they can order it. Staff friendly and knowledgeable.

What a fantastic bookshop! If you want friendly, helpful service and staff who will go the extra mile to try and help, this is the place for you! Great selection of books, and if they don't have the title you're after, they'll make sure they get it in for you!
Thanks guys!

Possibly the most unfriendly and unaware bookshop in London.
After searching for a specific book and having been ignored by the staff despite being the only customer and there being 2 chatting staff. I took the time to explain how disappointed I was with the woeful customer service. I was told that they had taken the decision not to have any ad hoc or face to face interaction with customers due to Covid. I questioned the wisdom of this decision and was told by the owner that I should buy my books on Amazon in future. As I left she blew a raspberry at me.