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Hurlingham Books

bookstore librariesā€¢
London
London

Hurlingham Books

91 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JS, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Since 1968, this Fulham institution has been defying every principle of modern retail organisation, and thank God for that. Ray Cole's legendary second-hand bookstore isn't just a shopā€”it's a literary adventure that might culminate in a personal escort to his secret underground warehouse.

Hurlingham Books: London's Most Magnificent Literary Chaos

Where Ray Cole's 2 million-book empire meets wonderfully erratic opening hours

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into what can only be described as a 'chaotic literary vortex' and you'll understand why Hurlingham Books has earned its reputation as a treasure hunter's dream. Floor-to-ceiling shelves create an impossible maze that's part organised chaos, part literary hoarder's paradise. The space pulses with that distinctive bookstore energyā€”the kind that makes time dissolve as you navigate through towering stacks of volumes. It's a proper time capsule, virtually unchanged since the late '60s, where every corner promises discovery. The atmosphere scores remarkably high on uniqueness (8.5/10) and flexibility (8.0/10), creating an environment where spontaneous discovery (9.0/10) reigns supreme. This isn't your sterile chain bookshop experience; it's wonderfully conversation-friendly (6.0/10) with a sophistication level (6.5/10) that comes from decades of accumulated literary wisdom rather than interior design.

Food & Drink

[Not applicable - this is a bookstore]

Service & Experience

Ray Cole himself is the heart of the operation, and his personal touch elevates this from mere browsing to genuine literary adventure. For serious book hunters, Ray personally escorts visitors to his underground warehouse rooms where you can even reserve books in 'your box'ā€”a service that speaks to his understanding of true bibliophiles. The 'wonderfully erratic' opening hours (officially Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm) come with weekend closures for football matches, which could mean a wasted journey if you don't call ahead. When the shop is closed, there's an honesty box outsideā€”a charming touch that reflects the trust-based relationship Ray has built with his community over decades.

Value for Money

With books ranging from Ā£1 bargains to Ā£600 rare treasures, Hurlingham Books operates on a price level of 2/4, making it accessible while still housing genuinely valuable finds. The value proposition here isn't just about individual book pricesā€”it's about the curation and discovery experience. Ray has supplied books for major productions like The Crown, Batman, and Fantastic Beasts, which gives you some indication of the quality hiding within those chaotic stacks. First editions can be found from Ā£3 to Ā£600, offering genuine treasure-hunting opportunities for collectors with any budget. The warehouse tours add immense value for serious collectors, providing access to inventory that most casual browsers will never see.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays are your safest bet, given Ray's tendency to close weekends for football. Call ahead on +44 20 7736 2561 to confirm opening, especially if you're travelling far. The AI insider advice suggests texting Ray first at 07775 531590 to check his weekend football schedule and potentially secure a warehouse VIP tour.

What to Focus On

Focus on first editions and rare findsā€”this is where Hurlingham Books truly excels. Ask Ray about signed copies and don't be shy about expressing interest in specific authors or genres; his knowledge runs deep and he might just escort you to warehouse rooms containing exactly what you're seeking.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Ray might literally drive serious collectors to his secret warehouse if you're genuinely interestedā€”this isn't a service advertised, but it happens for the right peopleThe honesty box system when closed means you can sometimes still browse and purchase even during 'erratic' hoursNear Putney Bridge tube, but the location on Fulham High Street makes it worth the journey regardless of transport method

The Final Verdict

Hurlingham Books isn't just a bookstoreā€”it's a living piece of London's literary history that has somehow survived and thrived by completely ignoring modern retail conventions. Ray Cole has created something genuinely special here: a space where discovery trumps convenience, where personal service means something, and where the thrill of the hunt remains intact. Yes, the erratic hours can be frustrating, and the chaos might overwhelm some visitors, but for those who appreciate the romance of book hunting, this place delivers experiences you simply cannot find elsewhere. It's earned its 8.5/10 uniqueness rating honestly.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

serious book collectors seeking rare findsliterary enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of discoveryanyone wanting an authentic, old-school London bookshop experience

Quick Details

1

Hurlingham Books

ā­ļø Chaotic treasure hunt
ā­ļø Secret warehouse tours
ā­ļø Ray cole legend
ā­ļø Organized madness

Ray Cole's legendary chaos defies every bookstore convention with 2 million+ books overflowing across shop and secret warehouse rooms. This isn't browsing,it's archaeological expedition where floor-to-ceiling shelves create impossible mazes of first editions, rare finds, and treasures ranging from Ā£1 to Ā£600. Ray personally escorts serious hunters to underground warehouse spaces where you can reserve discoveries in 'your box' like literary storage units. The organized chaos has supplied books for major productions including The Crown and Batman, proving this madness has method. The wonderfully erratic hours (call ahead!) and weekend football closures add to the adventure. The honesty box outside when closed epitomizes the trust-based community this place creates.

What's Great

āœ“ Ray might literally drive you to his secret warehouse for serious book hunting

āœ“ 2 million+ books create treasure hunts with finds from Ā£1-Ā£600

Keep in Mind

Ɨ Weekend closures for football matches mean potential wasted journeys without calling ahead

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Text Ray first (07775 531590) - he'll work around football schedule and might give you the warehouse VIP tour

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
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Venue details

šŸ•"Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 11am-5pm"
šŸ“91 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JS, United Kingdom
šŸ’·Ā£Ā£Ā£
šŸ“ž+44 20 7736 2561
šŸŒWebsite

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