London's top haunts for book lovers

Jazz cafe in a bookstore may rival Snakes on a Plane and Donald Trump as US President as a combination of nouns that should never be grouped together. Yet Ray Jazz Cafe in the Charing Cross branch of Foyles has become a minor institution in its own right. Although it can get crowded at lunchtimes (who’d have thought?) if you have an afternoon off there are few better places to read and relax as house music blasts from the speakers. We kid, we kid: it plays jazz. Obviously. foyles.co.uk

Nestled in the vicinity of literary Bloomsbury’s museums and restaurants, the London Review Bookshop opened in 2003 and has fast built a reputation as one of London’s foremost centres of the written word. Hosting regular lectures and signings with some of the UK’s leading voices, the bookshop offers more than 20,000 titles and is home to a bright and cosy café, specialising in ornate homemade cakes - the perfect spot to while away an afternoon with a good book. londonreviewbookshop.co.uk

One of London’s oldest pubs, there’s been an inn on this site tucked away in an alley just off Fleet Street since the 16th century. The current pub was built in 1667, since its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. It subsequently became a favourite of both pioneer wordsmith Samuel Johnson, who lived just round the corner in Gough Place, and Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. With open fireplaces, cosy corners and vaulted cellars to enjoy, this is an atmospheric stop on any literary tour of the capital.

Globally renowned and packed to the rafters with page-turning treasures from every era, this is one of the world’s finest and most important literary resources – right in the heart of London. The library’s permanent exhibition, Treasures of the British Library, remains free to enter, and contains everything from the Magna Carta to Shakespeare’s first folio. For more dedicated research, you can access a whole raft of specialist archives, collections and services on request. Reading rooms are also available, ideal for finding the space and peace to read or even write something for yourself. bl.uk

Alternatively, if you’re feeling a little Gallic (or if you are Gallic – in which case, bonjour) why not visit the La Mediatheque at the Institut Français. The largest French library in the UK is free to access and offers the charm and sophistication for which our cousins across the Channel are justly famed. Located in South Kensington, it’s a little corner of France within one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. C'est magnifique! institut-francais.org.uk

There are bookshops and there are bookshops. And then there is the Waterstones on Gower Street, home to the largest academic and specialist range of titles in Europe. The grade II listed building was designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll in 1908. Today the bookshop occupies all five floors with over five miles of shelving and around 130,000 titles. Three floors are for general interest books, and two floors contain specialist academic tomes. It should take you a while to get through them all. waterstones.com

A little outré, granted, but bear with us. Some people really do enjoy a little botanical with their book, and as previously noted, London and the great outdoors only work together for three months of the year. The solution? If you can’t go to the garden, bring the garden to you – and situate it 160m in the air. Visits are free, although advance booking is recommended. Then recline in a chair by a window, take out your copy of JG Ballard and while away a happy hour with the gleaming towers of London stretched before you. skygarden.london

As Europe's largest multi-arts and conference venue, the Barbican is hardly short of decent spots to steal a quiet moment with your favourite author. Any number of cafes and bars will be happy to accommodate – but may we be bold and gently direct your attention to the Conservatory, an oasis of calm that houses over 2,000 species of tropical plants and trees. On certain Sundays afternoon tea is served, although booking ahead is most definitely required. barbican.org.uk

Romantic poet John Keats lived at this address in fashionable Hampstead for two years towards the end of his life. It was his last home in Britain before departing on his final voyage to Italy. The house is a beautiful example of early 19th century design – typical of Hampstead’s transformation from city outpost to ‘garden suburb’. Today, the garden is open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with extended hours in the summer. The house itself hosts readings, lectures and performances throughout the year. This little corner of peace is just a short walk from Hampstead Heath station, and the perfect place to start a day out exploring one of London’s most beautiful and wild green spaces. keatscommunitylibrary.org.uk