The Open Book
The Open Book, Richmond-upon-Thames: Hours, Address, The Open Book Reviews: 5/5
The Open Book
The Open Book
5
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
We are an independent bookshop in Richmond, since 1987. We have a large range of stock, and can also order books over the phone, by email or in person! ​ Books, cards, wrapping paper and charm are what we offer. ​ We also do some events. ​ We are open Monday to Saturday 9.30 to 18.00 and
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Richmond • 7 min walk
- Richmond • 7 min walk
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
5 reviews
Excellent
4
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Francis W
London, UK20 contributions
Solo
They don't come much better than this. The Open Book is a Richmond institution - and like all great institutions, it never stagnates, and is never complacent. This shop is a wonder, and a bit like the Tardis, its size is deceptive. The frontage is narrow, a classic window crammed with multiple tiers of books: the latest publications, the popular, the media tie-ins, biography, fiction - something for everyone.
By the door is a nice selection of local postcards, all very reasonable, and the perfect excuse to step inside and be bowled over by the sheer scope and professionalism of this lovely place. There's even a Victorian mosaic floor - an attractive relic of the building's past - but the many customers who love The Open Book don't come in for the floor - they come in to browse the shelves, place orders, and generally enjoy the expertise, good humour, and wide knowledge that the owner and her superb staff have to offer. If they haven't got it, they'll order it, and it'll probably be in stock by the following day. The place is even dog-friendly. Now that's service.
There's never the feeling that nobody knows what you're talking about. Many's the customer who's come in and come out with the classic 'I heard it reviewed on the radio, and I think the title's something to do with ...' but of course they can't remember title or author - but the shop can, and suddenly, the book is in their hands - or they're told that it's actually five years old now, and that the paperback edition has just been published, and is all the way at the back of the shop in the travel section. Or they can of course order it.
Love the place. Value it as a pearl of great price. Visit and buy. Again and again. Richmond with its array of flash-in-the-pan 'high-street' chains that nobody cares about has a jewel in its crown here, and sensible customers know and appreciate everything it has to offer. Happy reading.
By the door is a nice selection of local postcards, all very reasonable, and the perfect excuse to step inside and be bowled over by the sheer scope and professionalism of this lovely place. There's even a Victorian mosaic floor - an attractive relic of the building's past - but the many customers who love The Open Book don't come in for the floor - they come in to browse the shelves, place orders, and generally enjoy the expertise, good humour, and wide knowledge that the owner and her superb staff have to offer. If they haven't got it, they'll order it, and it'll probably be in stock by the following day. The place is even dog-friendly. Now that's service.
There's never the feeling that nobody knows what you're talking about. Many's the customer who's come in and come out with the classic 'I heard it reviewed on the radio, and I think the title's something to do with ...' but of course they can't remember title or author - but the shop can, and suddenly, the book is in their hands - or they're told that it's actually five years old now, and that the paperback edition has just been published, and is all the way at the back of the shop in the travel section. Or they can of course order it.
Love the place. Value it as a pearl of great price. Visit and buy. Again and again. Richmond with its array of flash-in-the-pan 'high-street' chains that nobody cares about has a jewel in its crown here, and sensible customers know and appreciate everything it has to offer. Happy reading.
Written April 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WOW! Thank you so much for your kind review.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
The Open Book
Written April 27, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kirsten S
3 contributions
Awesome place to have a wander around... something to catch everyone's eye. Friendly and helpful staff, highly recommended!
Written April 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
connieboy
London, UK104 contributions
Solo
Great place to visit in Richmond with staff who have an excellent knowledge of all the books. Richmond is full of independent businesses and this is one of the best! Well worth a visit. Located just off Richmond Green near House of Fraser. Always a good sign when the place is full of local residents.
Written February 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alec T
Sherborne, UK2 contributions
Solo
The staff are very well-informed and the stock is extensive and well-chosen. Allow plenty of time as there are so many fascinating books on so many subjects. Very helpful on the phone. My favourite bookshop.
Written December 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rayrest
London, UK7,419 contributions
Couples
Popped in here for a quick look around. Located on Kings street in Richmond this small book shop covers many tastes and has a quirky appearance. Staff seem friendly. Worth a browse.
Written October 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Frequently Asked Questions about The Open Book
- The Open Book is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near The Open Book:
- (0.18 mi) Travelodge London Richmond Central
- (0.12 mi) Richmond Riverside
- (0.17 mi) Richmond Park Hotel
- (0.36 mi) Bingham Riverhouse
- (0.23 mi) Riverside Hotel - Richmond
- Restaurants near The Open Book:
- (0.00 mi) Quality Fish Restaurant
- (0.01 mi) Sebastian's Italian, Richmond
- (0.01 mi) Bonne Bouche
- (0.02 mi) Zizzi - Richmond
- (0.02 mi) R Chocolate London