In a tiny basement room just south of Borough Market stands Book 28 Library, a cosy retreat for London’s queer bookworms. The space is officially occupied by The Outside Project, an LGBTQ+ shelter and community centre, so alongside books and zines, you can expect to find free leaflets, refreshments and toiletries.
What really sets Book 28 apart, is their commitment to sourcing intersectional literature that would be unlikely to appear in your average public library. This makes for an unconventional, but rather pleasing, classification system. Categories include ‘Sunlight’ (for tales with happy endings), ‘Healing’ (for books on health, illness and recovery) and ‘Spirit’ (for stories of queer resistance and activism).
To join the library and start borrowing books, you’ll just need to provide a name and an email address. Loan periods are flexible, and there are no fines for overdue items. This would, after all, go against the core values of the institution. Those passing through London might prefer just to read in the lounge area for a few hours or drop by in the evening for book club meetings, author Q&As and queer theory discussions.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
by
Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
by
It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...
by
The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
by
Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...
by
Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
by
The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
by
"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
by
"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
by
"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
by
In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
by
222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 222 Insider Tips