Henry Pordes Books Ltd
London's legendary independent rare bookshop preserving literary treasures on historic Charing Cross Road.
One of London's last surviving independent bookshops on the legendary Charing Cross Road, Henry Pordes Books has been a beloved destination for rare book collectors and literary enthusiasts for over fifty years. Housed at 72 Charing Cross Road, this iconic shop stocks an extraordinary eclectic collection spanning antiquarian first editions, modern classics, children's books, natural history, art, architecture, and obscure specialist titles. The cozy, atmospheric interior invites leisurely browsing through shelves brimming with literary treasures, from Shakespeare and Dickens to contemporary firsts and collectible editions.
A brief summary to Henry Pordes Books Ltd
- 72 Charing Cross Rd, London, WC2H 0BB, GB
- +442078369031
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10:45 am-7:15 pm
- Tuesday 10:45 am-7:15 pm
- Wednesday 10:45 am-7:15 pm
- Thursday 10:45 am-7:15 pm
- Friday 10:45 am-7:15 pm
- Saturday 10:45 am-7:15 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 1–2 hours for browsing; the collection is vast and rewards patient exploration. Staff can provide expert recommendations if you're searching for something specific.
- The shop is closed on Sundays. Visit Monday through Saturday, 10:45 AM to 7:15 PM. Friday and Saturday evenings are popular times.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions: Cecil Court (historic booksellers' row), the British Museum, and Leicester Square are all within easy walking distance.
- If searching for a rare or out-of-print title, contact the shop by phone (+44 20 7836 9031) or email in advance; staff can often source books not currently in stock.
- Wheelchair accessible parking is available nearby. The shop itself is accessible for customers with mobility considerations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Henry Pordes Books Ltd location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Henry Pordes Books Ltd
A Living Monument to London's Literary Heritage
Henry Pordes Books stands as one of the last surviving independent bookshops on Charing Cross Road, a street that has been synonymous with bookselling since the late 1880s. The shop occupies 72 Charing Cross Road, having relocated there in 2020 from its previous location at 58–60 Charing Cross Road. For more than fifty years, Henry Pordes has maintained its reputation as a purveyor of antiquarian, collectible, and second-hand books, serving as a custodian of literary culture during a period when many of Charing Cross Road's historic bookshops have closed or relocated. Charing Cross Road itself was opened in the late 1880s to improve travel between Charing Cross and Tottenham Court Road, and booksellers began establishing shops in the earliest years following the road's opening. By 1934, there were twenty-six booksellers on Charing Cross Road and the adjoining Cecil Court Road, many of them active in publishing and distributing modernist literature. Today, Henry Pordes remains alongside Foyles, Any Amount of Books, and a handful of others as a reminder of that golden age of independent bookselling.An Extraordinary Collection for Every Literary Taste
The shop's inventory reflects an astonishing breadth of knowledge and curatorial vision. Henry Pordes stocks modern first editions, early and fine editions of major twentieth-century authors including Harry Potter, James Bond, Agatha Christie, P.G. Wodehouse, Graham Greene, and Terry Pratchett. The collection encompasses early classics from Shakespeare, Dickens, Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll, the Brontë sisters, J.M. Barrie, and George Eliot. Beyond literature, the shop maintains substantial holdings in rare antiquarian texts covering medicine, science, sport, travel, history, religion, philosophy, Italian and French literature, children's books (particularly from the 1930s), natural history, archaeology, mythology, folklore, cooking, drinks, and an extensive online selection of publications on art, design, fashion, photography, and architecture. This diversity ensures that whether you seek a Victorian first edition, a contemporary collectible, or an obscure specialist volume, Henry Pordes likely has it or can locate it.The Atmosphere of Serious Book Collecting
The shop itself embodies the character of a traditional London bookshop. Its cozy ambiance invites leisurely browsing, with books arranged throughout the space in a manner that rewards patient exploration. The knowledgeable staff provides expert recommendations and guidance, enhancing the experience for both casual browsers and serious collectors. The shop's membership in the PBFA (Provincial Booksellers' Fairs Association) underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of authenticity, expert description, fair pricing, and honest dealing. Books are carefully selected, accurately described, and securely packed for shipping worldwide, with delivery typically taking three days to two weeks within the UK and ten days to eight weeks internationally.Connection to Charing Cross Road's Literary Legacy
Charing Cross Road gained international literary fame through Helene Hanff's 1987 book "84 Charing Cross Road," which chronicled her 24-year correspondence with Frank Doel, chief buyer of Marks & Co antiquarian booksellers. That shop, located at 84 Charing Cross Road, closed in December 1970 and is now part of a McDonald's outlet, though a brass plaque commemorates its former identity. Henry Pordes, by contrast, represents the continuity of the street's bookselling tradition. The shop operates as a living archive of London's literary culture, preserving access to rare and out-of-print titles that might otherwise disappear from circulation.A Hub for Collectors and Scholars
The shop attracts a diverse clientele: collectors seeking specific first editions, scholars researching historical texts, tourists retracing the steps of literary history, and everyday readers hunting for unusual or hard-to-find volumes. The location on Charing Cross Road places Henry Pordes within walking distance of Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road, and the British Museum, making it accessible to visitors exploring central London's cultural attractions. The shop's online presence extends its reach globally, allowing international customers to browse and purchase from the comfort of their homes, yet the physical location remains essential to the experience—a place where the tactile pleasure of handling books, the serendipity of unexpected discoveries, and the expertise of passionate booksellers create an irreplaceable atmosphere.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Agatha Christie memorial
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Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
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St Giles in the Fields
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Denmark St
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Café de Paris
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covent Garden ,
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St Paul’s Church Covent Garden
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Covent Garden, street shows
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#O hello sunshine Public Art Sculpture
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Unmissable attractions to see
Charing Cross Rd
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House of Spells
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The Ambassadors Theatre
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St. Martin's Theatre
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Shaftesbury Ave
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Shaftesbury Avenue pulses with theatre lights, historic charm, and vibrant culture at the heart of London’s West End entertainment district.
Palace Theatre
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A grand West End theatre since 1891, now home to the magical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the heart of London’s theatreland.
Arts Theatre
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The Spice Of Life
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Historic Soho pub and live music venue blending tradition, vibrant culture, and boutique lodging in the heart of London.
The Hippodrome Casino London
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West End
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The Coach & Horses, Soho
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Vue Cinema London - West End (Leicester Square)
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St Martin's Courtyard
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Curzon Soho
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Prince Charles Cinema
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Essential places to dine
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La Bodega Negra Restaurant
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Meet Fresh
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Gauthier Soho
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Hawksmoor Seven Dials
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Hoppers Soho
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Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
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Clos Maggiore
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Palm Court Brasserie
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Noble Rot Soho
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Evelyn's Table
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Quo Vadis
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Circus
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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La Boutik
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Urban Outfitters
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Good
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Floral Street
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Escapologist Bar
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Mr Fogg's Tavern
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Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
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Simmons Bar | Soho
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The Little Scarlet Door
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Thirst Bar Soho
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The Admiral Duncan - Soho
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Blind Spot London
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
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The Penthouse London
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La Capannina Club
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The Roxy
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Sophisticats Soho
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Versity Camp Nightclub
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The Box Soho
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Luxe Club
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The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
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St Moritz Club
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Sunset night club
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TSQ Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Business Friendly
