Henry Pordes Books Ltd — Local services in London

I had the most awful experience in this bookshop. I was genuinely interested in buying a signed copy for almost 700 pounds. The first time I visited the store a young woman was very helpful and kind and showed me the book. A couple of hours later I returned to the shop asking the same woman if I could take some photos of the signature in order to get it verified in a fan based group of experts on Facebook. The woman then said she needed to ask the owner who came out. The owner was EXTREMELY RUDE started to basically shout that she did not sell any fake books and that I was not allowed to take any photos of the book. Everyone in the store could hear this so I had to calm her down. I tried to explain to her that I just want to verify that everything is in order but she just became more and more upset. For some strange reason she got very offended by my questions. Afterwards I could hear her talking to her colleagues and basically saying I was stupid so the whole store could hear once again. I can only see two reasons for this behavior: Either this storeowner do sell FAKE signed books or she really needs to take a training course in how to approach her clients without getting mad at them. I definitely would have bought the book but the way I was approached I will never ever walk into that bookstore again. Do not trust these people - that is...

A Hidden Gem for Serious Book Lovers

Henry Pordes Books is a delightful find, tucked along Charing Cross Road near the Korean beauty shops—a serendipitous spot that leads into a world of literary treasures. Thanks to the wonderfully helpful staff, I've recently begun collecting rare first editions of my favourite playwright, Tennessee Williams. I now have an entire section on my bookshelf dedicated to him (see photo!)—a joy I owe in large part to this store.

The shop’s atmosphere is quietly reverent, with a touch of museum-like awe—some books come with "do not touch" signs, and rightly so. These are not just books, but artefacts: collectors' items, and in many cases, long-term investments.

Among the staff is a tall, bespectacled man whose polite and patient manner is matched by his deep passion for literature. The owner, too, is delightful—warm, knowledgeable, and clearly devoted to the craft of bookselling. The selection is broad, from the well-loved to the truly rare, and the team is more than happy to help you explore what lies behind the glass cases.

A visit to Henry Pordes Books is more than a shopping trip—it’s an experience, a quiet homage to the enduring power of the...

I recently visited Henry Pordes Books to get some insight into a rare book I own. I was genuinely curious about the history of my edition and went in hoping for some professional guidance. While the gentleman who assisted me was polite, the owner was surprisingly dismissive and rude. When I first mentioned the book, she immediately dismissed it and then seemed annoyed when I politely asked if they could recommend anywhere else for further information.

Her response was that "I don’t work for free," making it clear that even a simple suggestion or bit of guidance came with strings attached. I wasn’t expecting a full appraisal for free, just a bit of direction. The attitude felt unwelcoming, especially for a bookstore specializing in rare and unique finds where you’d expect at least a basic courtesy toward new or curious customers.

The visit was disappointing overall. If you’re looking for a rare bookseller with a welcoming approach, you might want to try other...