Waterstone’s

I love Waterstone’s and this is a nice one. We went there with a friend five days ago and the interior is attractive, with a really good selection of most subjects. Also, the people working there were very pleasant and helpful.

I booked a table here for my wife and me to have our anniversary, I’ve been with her for 52 years and I love her very much. What I don’t love however is the way we were treated on arrival– We arrived in our best clothes and I had bought some new shoes from my favourite shoe shop in Chester earlier that week just to make my walk to and from the restaurant extra special. Anyway, back on subject– This restaurant is very poorly equipped as there are very few tables, mostly they have some books and a special offer displayed on them. There are even fewer waiters as we had to walk around the whole restaurant to find someone who would help us get a table and when we did they were audaciously dirty and they hadn’t washed in a good few days!!! It’s okay though because in my years I’ve been a few days without washing too and me and my wife sometimes like to get a bit dirty hahaha!

This may be one of my favourite bookshops in all of London. I know it’s just a bookshop and a chain at that but hear me out on this one.
1. Staff — They staff are always extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I was just there a few weeks ago and they had run out of the book I was looking for so I had to order it. The gentleman who helped me was fast, efficient and friendly. He talked to me about the author and the series I was reading with passion. Then he leapt from behind the counter with a spritely leprechaun-​like prance, and rushed me across the shop to show me another book he thought I’d like. Have already ascertained that he knew his stuff when it cames to tomes, I trusted him and bought the book and its sequel on the spot. He was so enthusiastic about the characters that I had to get it. It was «Rivers of London» just in case anyone wants to pick it up. Great book!
2. Special guests — Ever since I discovered this shop I’ve noted the revolving door of special guest authors that stop in for book signings. Just in passing I’ve seen Martina Cole, Jeffery Deaver and Rick Stein. I only walk by once every other month or so, so imagine who I must have missed! They only seem to advertise these signing events with a little sandwich board outside so I know there’s been more. Lucky for me I got a photo with a Bond car and a signed copy of Rick Stein’s new book on Spanish recipes.
3. Size & Selection — This shop is over two floors and has a better selection for it. I usually am able to find what I need or can order it quickly if needs be. If I don’t know what I want there are plenty of books to browse through or a friendly staffer to ask.