Literary London: landmarks, bookshops and haunts for bibliophiles

To drink tea: Teatulia, Covent Garden

Like Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, a good book and a cup of tea just go together. And at Teatulia in Covent Garden you won’t just find a delicious selection of single-origin teas: there’s also a ‘living library’ of bookshelves curated by celebrities.

The first of these was put together by Tilda Swinton, and her choices are still available for perusal. What better way is there to spend a couple of hours than curling up with a pot of organic oolong and flicking through some Zadie Smith?

To read: Libreria, Shoreditch

If you love reading but never seem to find the time, Libreria in Shoreditch will allow you to fully lose yourself in a good book with zero distractions. With little reading nooks in among the books and a strict no phones policy, the only thing going through your mind (other than will Marianne and Connell ever make it work?) will be noticing how beautiful the bookshop is.

Curved yellow bookshelves are bathed in warm lighting, making Libreria look like something out of a Klimt painting. The books themselves are arranged by such themes as ‘wanderlust’, ‘the city’ and ‘enchantment for the disenchanted’, so if you’re looking for reading inspiration, they've got you covered.

To buy: Words on Water, King's Cross

From commercial giants to indie 'booktiques', London is well-stocked with bookshops. To stand out amongst such an array is a tall order, but The London Bookbarge does just that.

New and used books are available for purchase on the 1920s Dutch barge which is moored on the Regent's Canal towpath near Granary Square. There are also sometimes events held on the barge such as jazz performances and slam poetry nights.

To wander: South Bank Book Market

Come rain or shine, you can wander around the South Bank Book Market. Nestled beneath Waterloo Bridge, second hand books on offer range from contemporary and children’s literature to classics, antique maps and even the odd first edition.

Book hunting is an art: it takes a good eye to spot the hidden gems. And when you inevitably find the seventeen books you simply must have, it won’t break the bank to buy them.

To immerse: Harry Potter Tour, Central London

When he's not at Privet Drive or Hogwarts, Harry Potter has a few London haunts. And you can discover the parts of the city that are connected with the wizarding world through a walking tour.

Muggles can visit the locations around London where Harry Potter was filmed, as well as original sites of inspiration for the books.

The majestic interior of Leadenhall Market, for instance, appeared in The Philosopher’s Stone film to represent the area around Diagon Alley.

To borrow: Bishopsgate Library

Whether you’re seeking a library for private study or have the luxury of a few hours to spend browsing, Bishopsgate Library near Spitalfields is an idyllic spot.

Whilst some libraries are vibrant and child-friendly (and we love those too!), Bishopsgate is perfect for those moments when you want to escape to somewhere silent.

A grade II listed building, and usually less busy than the popular London Library, Bishopsgate is palatial both outside and within. Light brick turrets and arches are followed by dark wood floors and bookcases in the reading room, where you'll also find an enormous stained-glass skylight.

To explore: Cecil Court, Covent Garden

Cecil Court in Covent Garden has an unusual history. As well as being paramount in the formation of the British film industry, the short alleyway was the birthplace of Foyles and was briefly home of Mozart.

Nowadays, Cecil Court is lined with antiquarian bookshops. Many of these have curious specialisms, from Goldsboro Books specialising in modern first editions to Bryars & Bryars which deals in historic atlases and maps. Watkins Books, meanwhile, is the oldest bookshop in London to specialise in esoterica.

The bookshops at Cecil Court have featured in films like Victim (1961), 84 Charing Cross Road (1987) and Miss Potter (2006).

To discuss: Waterstone's, Bloomsbury

Recommending Waterstones to a biblophile is like asking a foodie if they've ever tried pizza. Waterstones is a haven of all things bookish, and the branch in Piccadilly claims to be the biggest bookshop in Europe.

If you want to meet like-minded people and chat about literature, the Waterstones in Bloomsbury runs a monthly book club called Bitch Lit. Get together with fellow feminists to discuss modern hits and cult classics over a glass of wine.

To eat: The Fables Bar and Restaurant, Holborn

If you’re looking for literary flair alongside delicious flavour, the decor of The Fables Bar and Restaurant in Holborn is inspired by fairytales and the fables of Aesop.

The restaurant features novelty furnishings and hideaway alcoves full of books. Dinner is primarily pub classics (fish and chips, steak, burgers), but order butternut squash risotto for something vegetarian or crab linguini with chilli and mango for a spicier kick.

To drink: Maison Assouline, Picadilly

Maison Assouline is a bar, restaurant and bookshop all in one achingly stylish space. Set in a grade II listed building from 1922, here marble busts and chic furniture sit side by side with well-stocked shelves of coffee table tomes.

Swans Bar is the perfect spot to experience this intersection of literature and luxury. It’s not everywhere that you can sip champagne whilst rifling for your next read, and the bar is like something out of The Great Gatsby.

To watch: The Great Gatsby, Southwark

Theatre is at the heart of literary London. Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre and the West End are packed year-round with plays from your favourite writers and story-tellers.

For something a bit different, though, we love The Great Gatsby at Gatsby’s Drugstore in Southwark. An immersive experience that allows you step straight into the roaring 20s, this is one party you don’t want to miss.

What are you waiting for, old sport?