Christoff.ai

Any Amount of Books

bookstore libraries•
London
London

Any Amount of Books

56 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0QA, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked into the heart of London's legendary book district, Any Amount of Books delivers exactly what its name promises - a sprawling two-level treasure trove where bibliophiles can lose themselves for hours. This isn't your sterile chain bookshop; it's a proper old-school literary adventure that's earned its reputation as London's favorite secondhand bookstore.

Any Amount of Books: London's Legendary Literary Labyrinth

Where £1.50 paperbacks share shelves with £2,000 first editions on historic Charing Cross Road

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step through the doors and you're immediately transported into what can only be described as an Aladdin's cave of literature. The atmosphere scores high on sophistication (6.5/10) while maintaining that perfectly calm energy (2.5/10) that serious book browsing demands. Floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves create higgledy-piggledy rooms across five interconnected spaces, each packed with that beloved scent of aged pages that vintage book lovers crave. The bare floorboards creak underfoot as you navigate between towering stacks, reinforcing that authentic literary time-capsule feeling. The basement houses the bargain section, while the upper level showcases the more precious finds. It's refreshingly unstructured - scoring a perfect 9.0/10 for flexibility - allowing for the kind of spontaneous discovery (9.5/10) that makes book hunting so addictive. The cozy nooks and vintage charm create an environment where time genuinely seems to stop, though the limited accessibility of this historic building layout means no seating areas for extended reading sessions.

Food & Drink

[Not applicable - this is a bookstore]

Service & Experience

The staff here understand their role perfectly - they're knowledgeable guides who actively encourage hours-long browsing sessions with zero pressure to purchase anything. This approach creates an atmosphere where you can genuinely explore without feeling rushed or watched. The team's expertise spans the impressive range of specialties, from literature and art to philosophy, history, and rare first editions. They're helpful when you need assistance navigating the maze-like layout, but wisely step back to let the treasure hunt unfold naturally. The fact that new stock arrives regularly means the staff are constantly refreshing the collection, maintaining that sense of perpetual discovery that keeps regulars coming back.

Value for Money

With a price level of just 1/4, this place delivers exceptional value across its range. The beauty lies in the spectrum - you can walk away satisfied with a £1.50 paperback find or invest in a £2,000+ rare first edition, with everything priced fairly for its condition and rarity. The basement bargain section offers particular value for budget-conscious browsers, while the rare editions upstairs justify their premium pricing. For students and casual readers, the student-friendly prices make building a personal library genuinely affordable. The combination of reasonable pricing with the vast eclectic selection means you're getting London bookstore value without the inflated tourist-trap pricing you might expect given the prime Charing Cross Road location.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Visit during weekday mornings when the crowds are thinner and you can properly explore without jostling for space between the narrow aisles. The shop operates Monday-Saturday 10:30am-7pm and Sunday 12pm-6pm, with new stock arriving regularly throughout the week.

What to Focus On

Start with the basement bargain section to warm up your treasure-hunting instincts, then systematically work through each of the five rooms. Focus on their specialties: literature, art, poetry, history, philosophy, travel, and those coveted leather-bound sets.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Hit the basement first for bargain books, then work your way up - new stock drops daily so every visit offers fresh discoveriesThe higgledy-piggledy layout means gems can be tucked anywhere - don't just scan at eye levelCOVID safety measures include ventilation systems and air purifiers, making extended browsing sessions more comfortable

The Final Verdict

Any Amount of Books earns its legendary status through sheer authenticity and scope. The combination of an 8.5/10 uniqueness score with perfect flexibility and discovery ratings creates an experience that's become increasingly rare in our digital age. While the historic building's limitations mean no modern amenities like seating areas, and the conversation-friendly score of 3.0/10 reflects its quiet, contemplative nature, these aren't flaws - they're features that preserve the pure book-hunting experience. The location just one minute from Leicester Square tube makes it perfectly accessible, while the reasonable pricing ensures it remains a genuine community resource rather than a tourist novelty.

Christoff's Rating:
8.7/10

Perfect For:

serious book collectors hunting rare first editionsbudget-conscious students building personal librariesliterary tourists seeking authentic old London bookstore atmosphere

Quick Details

1

Any Amount of Books

⭐️ Treasure hunt
📻 Vintage charm
⭐️ Literary time capsule
🍺 Bargain hunter
⭐️ Authentic chaos

Charing Cross Road's legendary treasure hunt begins the moment you enter this two-level labyrinth where books have arranged themselves according to some beautiful chaos that defies logic but rewards persistence. Five interconnected rooms across two floors create that perfect Aladdin's cave experience where £1.50 paperbacks hide alongside £2,000 first editions, and every corner promises unexpected discoveries. The staff here actively encourage hours-long browsing sessions with zero pressure to purchase,a radical concept that transforms shopping into genuine exploration. That beloved scent of aged pages permeates every higgledy-piggledy room, while bare floorboards creak under the weight of literary history. The basement houses bargain bins where patient hunters uncover incredible finds, making every visit feel like a fresh quest through London's most authentic second-hand book sanctuary.

What's Great

✓ Five interconnected rooms across two floors create that perfect Aladdin's cave treasure hunt experience

✓ Staff actively encourage hours-long browsing sessions with zero pressure to buy anything

Keep in Mind

× Historic building layout means limited accessibility and no seating areas for longer reading sessions

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit the basement first for bargain books, then work your way up - new stock drops daily so every visit is a fresh discovery

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Sat: 10:30am-7pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm"
📍56 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0QA, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 20 7836 3618
🌐Website

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