Persephone Books: A Sanctuary for Forgotten Women Writers in Bloomsbury
Discover the hidden treasures of 20th-century women’s literature at Persephone Books, a Bloomsbury gem celebrating forgotten female voices.
Persephone Books, located at 59 Lamb's Conduit Street in London, is a unique independent bookshop and publisher dedicated to reviving lost and neglected works by 20th-century women writers. Founded in 1998 by Nicola Beauman, it specializes in interwar novels and non-fiction, preserving literary heritage with its signature grey covers and patterned endpapers. This intimate shop in Bloomsbury offers a quiet, reflective space celebrating female creativity and literary history.
A brief summary to Persephone books
- 59 Lamb's Conduit St, London, WC1N 3NB, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter browsing experience in this intimate shop.
- Explore the unique patterned endpapers and grey covers that distinguish Persephone’s beautifully designed books.
- Take time to enjoy the literary atmosphere and consider joining one of the shop’s occasional book groups or events.
- Though the main operations have moved to Bath, the London shop remains a vital cultural spot worth visiting.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Persephone books location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Persephone books
Origins and Vision of Persephone Books
Founded in 1998 by Nicola Beauman, Persephone Books began as a small publishing house dedicated to reprinting forgotten or out-of-print works, primarily by women authors from the interwar period. Beauman, a London native and Cambridge graduate, was motivated by a passion for rediscovering neglected female voices in literature, which mainstream publishers often overlooked. The name "Persephone" symbolizes female creativity and renewal, reflecting the company’s mission to breathe new life into these literary gems.Evolution from Mail-Order to Bloomsbury Bookshop
Initially operating from a basement office in Clerkenwell, Persephone Books started with mail-order sales, gradually building a devoted following. The success of titles like "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" propelled the company to open a physical shop in Bloomsbury on Lamb’s Conduit Street, transforming it into a cherished cultural landmark. This move marked a transition from a niche publisher to a vibrant, tangible presence where visitors can browse a carefully curated collection in a serene setting.Distinctive Publishing Style and Collection
Persephone’s catalogue, now over 150 titles, includes novels, short stories, diaries, memoirs, poetry, and even cookery and gardening books. Each book is instantly recognizable by its elegant grey jacket and matching patterned endpapers, designed to evoke a sense of tradition and timelessness. The selection emphasizes themes of home, social history, and the female experience, offering readers insightful perspectives on 20th-century life.The Bloomsbury Location and Atmosphere
The shop at 59 Lamb’s Conduit Street is situated in a historic area known for its literary and intellectual heritage. Although the company has relocated its main operations to Bath, the London shop remains a beloved destination for bibliophiles. The quiet, intimate atmosphere invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of forgotten women writers, often accompanied by the shop’s tradition of afternoon tea and cake, enhancing the experience of literary discovery.Legacy and Cultural Significance
Persephone Books has earned a reputation as a feminist cultural institution, championing female authorship and preserving literary history that might otherwise be lost. Its commitment to quality, both in editorial standards and book design, has made it a unique fixture in London’s literary landscape. The shop and publisher continue to inspire readers and scholars, fostering appreciation for women’s contributions to literature and history.Community Engagement and Events
Beyond book sales, Persephone Books hosts book groups, lunches, small concerts, and seminars, often held in its historic premises. These events cultivate a sense of community among readers and deepen engagement with the themes explored in its publications. The shop’s blend of tradition, culture, and literary passion creates a distinctive experience for visitors and supporters alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of Thomas Coram
0.4 km
A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
Sicilian Avenue
0.4 km
Discover Sicilian Avenue, a serene Edwardian pedestrian street in London blending Italianate architecture with charming shops and tranquil ambiance.
190 High Holborn
0.6 km
A modern office landmark in central London, blending contemporary design with strategic connectivity near historic Holborn.
Woburn Walk
0.9 km
London's first pedestrianized shopping street, a beautifully preserved Regency gem in literary Bloomsbury.
Bleeding Heart Yard
0.9 km
London's most haunted courtyard, where Gothic legend meets gritty Victorian history beneath ancient cobblestones.
covent Garden ,
0.9 km
Explore Covent Garden's vibrant atmosphere filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of London.
St Pancras New Church
1.0 km
A majestic Greek Revival church in London, blending ancient Athenian design with rich history and vibrant community life.
John Wilkes statue
1.0 km
Explore the John Wilkes Statue in London, a significant cultural landmark celebrating civil liberties and the fight for free speech.
Hasdan
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant heart of London at Hasdan, where shopping, culture, and history meet on Tottenham Court Road.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
1.0 km
Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Bow St
1.0 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
St Giles in the Fields
1.0 km
Medieval leper hospital turned Palladian masterpiece—nearly 1000 years of London's sacred and troubled history
Royal Courts of Justice
1.0 km
Victorian Gothic masterpiece where British justice convenes beneath soaring pinnacles and intricate stone carvings.
Royal Opera House
1.0 km
Experience the breathtaking performances and rich history of the Royal Opera House, a premier destination for opera and ballet enthusiasts in London.
Bomber Harris Memorial
1.0 km
A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
Unmissable attractions to see
Smallest Street in London
0.1 km
Discover Emerald Court, London’s famously narrow alley, a hidden passage steeped in history and architectural contrasts in Bloomsbury.
The Lamb
0.1 km
Step into The Lamb on Lamb's Conduit Street, a Georgian gem with Victorian charm, famed for its snob screens, real ales, and literary heritage.
Coram's Fields
0.2 km
A historic seven-acre playground and community hub in London dedicated exclusively to children and young people.
Charles Dickens Museum
0.2 km
Step into the Victorian world of Charles Dickens at his only surviving London home, where literary history and personal stories come alive.
Queen Square
0.3 km
A historic Bloomsbury square blending Georgian charm, royal ties, and a world-renowned medical heritage in tranquil garden surroundings.
1 Queen Square
0.3 km
Historic Bloomsbury garden square renowned for medical heritage, tranquil gardens, and Georgian architecture.
Brunswick Square Gardens
0.3 km
Historic Bloomsbury garden where literary giants walked beneath ancient plane trees and bohemian dreams took root.
Curzon Bloomsbury
0.4 km
Discover world-class arthouse cinema and documentary premieres at Curzon Bloomsbury, nestled in the iconic Brunswick Centre.
Foundling Museum
0.4 km
Explore the Foundling Museum, where art, music, and history unite to tell the story of Britain’s first children’s charity and its enduring legacy.
Russell Sq
0.4 km
A peaceful Georgian garden square in Bloomsbury, blending historic charm with serene green spaces in central London.
The Postal Museum
0.4 km
Discover five centuries of postal history and ride London’s secret underground Mail Rail at The Postal Museum in Clerkenwell.
Bloomsbury Square Garden
0.5 km
Discover Bloomsbury Square Garden, London's serene historic square blending 17th-century heritage with tranquil green space in the heart of Bloomsbury.
The Brunswick Centre
0.5 km
A Grade II listed modernist residential and shopping complex blending architecture, community, and culture in Bloomsbury, London.
Princess Louise
0.6 km
Experience the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Princess Louise, a must-visit gastropub in London's Holborn district.
Sir John Soane's Museum
0.6 km
Explore the extraordinary preserved home and collection of Sir John Soane, a masterpiece of architecture and eclectic art in central London.
Essential places to dine
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
0.8 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Margot
0.9 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Sarastro
0.9 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Circus
0.9 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Inamo Covent Garden
1.0 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
1.0 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
1.1 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Balthazar
1.1 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.1 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.1 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.2 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
The Ninth
1.2 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
Noble Rot Soho
1.2 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Punch & Judy
1.2 km
Historic Covent Garden pub blending classic British fare, lively balcony views, and family-friendly charm in the heart of London.
Chez Antoinette
1.2 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
not just a shop
0.5 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Fancy That of London
0.7 km
Discover unique London souvenirs and charming keepsakes in a warm, inviting shop just opposite the British Museum on Great Russell Street.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.9 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Pop Boutique
1.0 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Rokit Covent Garden
1.0 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Forbidden Planet London Megastore
1.0 km
London’s ultimate destination for comics, collectibles, and cult pop culture treasures in the heart of the West End.
Good
1.0 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
1.0 km
Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
Urban Outfitters
1.0 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
1.0 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Primark
1.1 km
Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Twinings - The Strand
1.1 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
1.1 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
1.1 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Goldsmith Vintage
1.1 km
Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Duke
0.2 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
Fitz's Russell Sq.
0.4 km
Discover Fitz's Russell Square, a glamorous cocktail bar blending Victorian elegance with modern British cuisine in the heart of Bloomsbury.
The Coral Room
0.9 km
Experience 1920s-inspired glamour and expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant coral-hued heart of Bloomsbury Hotel.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
0.9 km
Discover Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden Tudor-era pub in Holborn where history, legend, and cozy charm converge in a secret London alley.
Be At One - Russell Street
1.0 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
The Old Bank of England
1.0 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
The Escapologist Bar
1.1 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
Simmons Bar | Kings Cross
1.1 km
A quirky, retro-inspired cocktail bar in Kings Cross with lively music, creative drinks, and unbeatable happy hour deals.
Plume Wine Bar
1.1 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
1.1 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Crusting Pipe
1.1 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
1.2 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Prelude by Oriole
1.2 km
A refined Covent Garden cocktail bar blending innovative drinks, Latin American fusion cuisine, and live music in a stylish Asian-inspired setting.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
1.2 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
Cosy Cocktail Bar
1.2 km
A stylish speakeasy in King's Cross offering expertly crafted cocktails in a warm, intimate setting perfect for evenings and private events.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Carwash Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.8 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
The Roxy
1.0 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.1 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
London Best Night Clubs
1.1 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
The Ivy Club
1.2 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Club49Soho
1.2 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
La Capannina Club
1.2 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.3 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Proud Late
1.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
101 Nightclub London
1.4 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
1.4 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
St Moritz Club
1.4 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.4 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Sophisticats Soho
1.5 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly