Foster Books

Nestled on Chiswick high street is Foster Books, an antique book store selling vintage hardbacks, first editions and leatherbound classics. In our usual fashion, Freddie and I sought out a Sunday date with no real idea of where we were going or what to do, and happily stumbled across this hidden gem. As soon as we stepped inside, there was a peaceful quietness and a noticeable contrast from the busy bustle of the street. We found beautifully crafted books and a first edition of Wuthering Heights priced just slightly out of our budget at £100 ( eek.) We did however walk away with an old H.G.Wells leatherbound copy for only £4. 

Foster books is also the oldest shop on Chiswick High Road and is home to an 18th century bow-windowed storefront. For this alone, it’s worth a visit as it has withheld a victorian feel and is quite charming to observe, even if you don’t choose to go inside. 

We also accompanied our trip to the bookshop with a stroll around Chiswick flower market and a trip to Nikki’s bakery over the road. They have an enormous array of pastries and baked goods and a decently priced latte, (which is all the two of us ask for from a successful date.) 

Transport: Just a short walk from Chiswick Park Station (District Line), or a few minutes from Chiswick High Road where you can catch buses to nearby areas. 

As a daytime date location, or the starting point of one at least, Foster Books in Chiswick is the perfect place to soak up some authentic London charm. An inspiring environment, it’s the perfect place to take some loose change and buy your next great read.. And if you fail to find anything in there, there’s a flower market just outside for you to buy each other a tulip or two!

Foster Books