As we all know bookshops come and bookshops go, but I am very pleased to say that Nomad Books in Fulham is one bookshop which came and stayed and flourished. I first visited Nomad books well over 15 years ago when I was working in Parsons Green, Fulham. It was a mere stones throw away from where I was working and as in those days the job I had involved much travelling on foot or bike I had many opportunities to drop in. I distinctly remember picking up some travel books there for hubby’s birthday which I had been particularly disorganised about that year. One of those books has been a go to book ever since when planning where to travel to in the world next!
For me Nomad Books is a perfect browsing bookshop. It’s a beautiful, spacious light filled shop. There are tables brimming with tempting titles, comfy inviting sofas and chairs in cheery colours. On the day I visited there was some very happy background music which had me tapping my toes whilst perusing the packed but organised shelves. This book shop positively encourages you to ‘stay a while’. The ground floor is given over to a fantastic array of fiction, contemporary, classic and much more besides, as well as a great travel section and selection of non fiction. One of the things I loved was the hand written reviews by staff tucked in to the books. I love to hear what booksellers think and will be easily swayed by their reviews.
Downstairs is all about children’s books, lots of them. I didn’t need any children’s books on this occasion but this would definitely be a good place to come if I did. It was a quiet mid day week in winter when I visited but I can imagine during the school holidays or at weekends this downstairs space would be full of children discovering wonderful new books to capture their imaginations and take them to wonderful places.
One of the points made by Erica from Bookshop around the Corner in my recent interview with her was that 90 per cent of what makes each bookshop special is the people, and in particular the bookseller(s). If that is the case and I believe it probably is, then Nomad books gets full marks. The staff are friendly, chatty and happy to let you wander, offering advice if asked for whilst passing helpful comments on books you may be deliberating. I managed to restrict myself to one book on this occasion (it wasn’t easy, I could have bought many more). I bought David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, one of the 5 classics I’m aiming to read this year.
There are plenty of cafes on Fulham Road so lots of places to take your purchases to and enjoy with a cup of tea and slice of cake (Green Tea and gluten free cake of course – this is Fulham!)
It had been a few too many years since my last visit, so I was thrilled to see how thriving Nomad Books is. I vow to make sure there isn’t such a long gap until my next visit.
Last time I looked Nomad Books Website was under construction but do keep checking back, otherwise you can find them on twitter @nomadbooks
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I think what I need is a trip to visit and we can do a bookshop tour of your favourites xx
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Oh yes please….lets plan x