Inside Hatchards Piccadilly in London - Bookshop Review
Here’s everything you need to know about London’s oldest bookshop.
Founded in 1797, Hatchards claims to be the oldest bookshop in the whole of the UK, and is held in high regard as the bookseller to several generations of the royal family.
Their flagship shop is based in Piccadilly Circus, in the same premises that it’s occupied since 1801. The shop has a gorgeous dark green facade, with dark wood interiors and five floors filled with books.
Although the brand is no longer a family affair, it still retains its unique charm and is well worth a visit while in London. The shop is grand and contains a wide variety of titles - it’s a place where you’ll find beautiful classic editions, the latest fiction releases, biographies, young adult books, sci-fi, and so much more under the same roof.
Personally, I love visiting flagship bookstores like this one and find Hatchards to be a lovely place to while away the hours while in central London. Sometimes it can feel a little bit overwhelming as there really is so much to choose from, but I could never complain that there’s not enough choice!
Unlike other flagship bookshops, Hatchards doesn’t have a coffee shop or cafe, but with Waterstones Piccadilly located just a few doors down and Piccadilly Circus on its doorstep, there are many places to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Don’t miss the shop’s lovely children’s room, which is painted blue and contains a wide selection of books for young readers.
The History of Hatchards
As the official bookseller to the royal family, Hatchards has been awarded a royal warrant by several of its leading members: King Charles III, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip.
It’s also thought that Queen Charlotte, wife to King George III, was one of the shop’s very first customers.
While the shop has changed hands various times throughout the years, Hatchards began as a family affair and is named after its founder, John Hatchard. His portrait remains pride of place on the grand staircase in their Piccadilly branch.
Subsequent owners include Clarence Hatry, who was a convicted fraudster, and purchased the shop in 1946. He later sold Hatchards to William Collins and Sons in 1956, before being acquired by Pentos in 1990. The brand’s current owners, Waterstones, bought Pentos in 1998.
Throughout its history, Hatchards has been frequented by well known authors such as Lord Byron, Beatrix Potter, and Oscar Wilde, who reportedly signed so many books that a table on the ground floor was named after him.
Today, the shop regularly hosts signings from high profile authors, with big names including Kate Moss, Ali Smith and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
How to find Hatchards Piccadilly
Hatchards is easily accessible by public transport, and just a few minutes walk from Piccadilly Circus underground station, which is served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. London buses also regularly stop on the same road as the shop.
The full address for Hatchards Piccadilly is: 187 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LE
Today, Hatchards also has two additional bookshops, with one in London St Pancras train station and another in Cheltenham, which opened in 2022.
Opening Times
Hatchards Piccadilly is open from 9:30am - 8pm Monday - Saturday, and 10:30am - 6pm on Sundays.
Have you visited Hatchards in Piccadilly Circus? Leave a comment and let me know.
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