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My Favourite Bookshop
Langtons Bookshop sits tucked away at the end of Church Street, one of Twickenham’s most charming corners. Housed in an attractive Georgian building, the shop has been quietly going about its business for fifty years, and it’s not hard to understand the secret of its longevity, even with Waterstone’s a few hundred metres away.
First and foremost, they rightfully pride themselves on personal customer service and an assurance of next day delivery for book, CD and even DVD orders. Not to berate Waterstone’s, but next day delivery is rarely assured and despite all the internet book-buying hype, with Amazon it certainly isn’t. They also offer frequent special events, including author readings devoted to sampling food and drink supplied by local producers. More regular events include poetry groups, book clubs, Friends of the Earth meetings and even French story time for children.
As well as a strong local interest section, there is a separate area for children’s books, toys and even clothes, plus the shop’s most popular recent addition, the organic café. It’s set at the back of the bookshop in a light airy room with art adorning the walls, wicker chairs, sofas, plants and, rather quirkily, a reclaimed wood-panelled floor from a church in Huddersfield. There’s a mouth-watering selection of cakes and light meals to be enjoyed nestled amongst the travel and health and nutrition sections, and it’s the perfect place for a cappuccino and a slice of carrot cake.
Langtons provides a winning combination of first-class customer service, personable staff, a strong emphasis on local events and a great location, just a stone’s throw from the river. It thrives as a successful, forward-thinking enterprise whilst retaining a gratifying emphasis on serving the local book-loving populace. If you’re in the Twickenham area, go there. Even if you’re not in the Twickenham area, go there anyway – it’s worth it! And if you don’t find a book that takes your fancy, make sure you try that carrot cake.
Langtons Bookshop
44 Church Street
Twickenham TW1 3NT
If you have a bookshop you’d like to recommend to Pen Pusher readers,
then we’d like to hear about it – send suggestions of up to 380 words to editors@penpushermagazine.co.uk or alternatively send them to:
Pen Pusher Magazine
13a Myddelton Square
London EC1R 1YE
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