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Burley Fisher Books

bookstore libraries•
London
London

Burley Fisher Books

400 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AA

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked into Kingsland Road since 2016, this isn't your average bookshop browsing experience. With a basement bar hosting poetry nights and a risograph printer for your zine ambitions, Burley Fisher has carved out something genuinely special in the indie press world - and the double London Bookshop of the Year wins (2021 & 2022) prove it.

Burley Fisher Books: Where East London's Literary Underground Thrives

Back-to-back London Bookshop of the Year winner doing things properly in Haggerston

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The energy here sits at a solid 7.2 out of 10 - lively enough to feel connected to East London's creative pulse, but not so frantic you can't actually focus on the books. The basement bar setup creates this brilliant literary salon chaos that somehow works perfectly. You've got indie press obsessives browsing upstairs while poetry nights unfold below, creating layers of literary energy throughout the space. The LGBTQ+ safe space credentials are genuine, not performative, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere. The sophistication level hits 6.5 - refined enough for serious literary types but relaxed enough that you won't feel out of place in your weekend gear. With an 8.5 uniqueness score, this place genuinely offers something you won't find elsewhere in London's bookshop landscape. The flexibility rating of 8.2 means you can drop in for a quick browse or settle in for an evening event with equal comfort.

Food & Drink

While this isn't primarily a food destination, the basement bar serves coffee and beer alongside wine, creating the perfect accompaniment to literary browsing. The setup allows you to grab a pint while you browse - a brilliant concept that few bookshops execute properly. The focus here is clearly on creating a social drinking environment that complements the literary experience rather than competing with it.

Service & Experience

The staff recommendations hit differently here because they genuinely know their indie presses inside and out. With laser focus on publishers you won't find elsewhere, the team can point you toward exactly the obscure press that'll blow your mind. The risograph printing service adds another layer of expertise - these aren't just booksellers, they're embedded in the zine-making community. The conversation-friendly rating of 7.5 suggests staff are approachable and knowledgeable without being pushy.

Value for Money

At price level 1 out of 4, this represents excellent value in London's bookshop landscape. You're getting access to carefully curated new and second-hand titles, plus the basement bar experience, plus potential access to events and printing services. The experience depth scores a massive 9.0 out of 10, meaning you're getting genuine substance for your money rather than surface-level browsing.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday 9am-7pm, and Sunday 9am-6pm. However, weekend crowds can turn the basement into a sweatbox, so consider visiting during weekday hours for a more comfortable browse. For poetry nights with The White Review, arrive early to claim your spot before it gets packed.

What to Focus On

Focus on the indie press specialists and staff recommendations - this is where Burley Fisher truly excels. Browse both the new and second-hand sections, as the curation extends across both. If you're interested in zine-making, inquire about the risograph printing service.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Slide into the basement bar early for poetry nights - grab a pint and secure your spot before the literary crowd descendsThe staff know exactly which obscure presses will match your interests, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendationsCheck their social media for book launch events - the basement hosts regular author events that often sell out

The Final Verdict

Burley Fisher Books has earned its double London Bookshop of the Year titles through genuine innovation in the indie bookshop space. The combination of expertly curated titles, basement bar energy, and community hub functionality creates something that scores 8.8 for spontaneous discovery. This isn't just retail - it's a cultural institution that happens to sell books. The trendy factor of 7.8 reflects its position at the cutting edge of London's literary scene without being pretentious about it. Yes, weekend crowds can be intense, but that's partly because they've created something genuinely worth crowding for.

Christoff's Rating:
8.3/10

Perfect For:

indie press enthusiasts seeking titles they won't find elsewhereaspiring zine makers needing both inspiration and printing servicesliterary event seekers wanting poetry nights with actual substance

Quick Details

1

Burley Fisher Books

⭐️ Indie press obsessed
🍺 Basement bar energy
⭐️ Lgbtq safe space
⭐️ Literary salon
⭐️ Community hub

East London's indie publishing darling operates like a literary speakeasy where basement bar poetry nights merge seamlessly with cutting-edge book curation. This isn't just a bookshop,it's a cultural laboratory where small press gems and zines get the spotlight they deserve, guided by staff who know exactly which obscure publisher will blow your mind. The basement bar transforms monthly into a sweatbox of literary energy, hosting poetry nights with The White Review that feel more like underground cultural movements than retail events. Beyond books, they offer risograph printing services for aspiring zine makers, making this a genuine creative hub where literature meets community action. The LGBTQ+ safe space atmosphere encourages discovery and connection, whether you're hunting for that perfect indie press find or seeking your next literary tribe.

What's Great

✓ Basement bar hosts monthly poetry nights with The White Review - authentic literary energy

✓ Risograph printing for zine dreams plus staff who know every indie press worth discovering

Keep in Mind

× Weekend crowds turn the basement into a sweatbox - maybe skip peak hours for comfort

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Slide into the basement bar early for poetry nights - grab a pint and claim your spot before it gets packed

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 8am-7pm, Sat: 9am-7pm, Sun: 9am-6pm"
📍400 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AA
💷££
📞+44 20 7249 2229
🌐Website

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