London, episode 7. In which the book's the thing.

Time for a confession. No need to gird your loins because it's probably not much of a surprise, actually, but I am a film lover almost as much as a book lover. I have previously reminisced romanticized early childhood visits to the Warner Public Library as well as early adult forays into book collecting. Libraries and bookstores have always coursed through my veins, thump thump thumping lovingly through my heart and soul all these years since their earliest discovery. The world of film has left its indelible imprint on my life as well, leading not only to an MA in film studies over 20 years ago, but also to an enjoyable nearly-decade-long stint as a movie reviewer for our local newspaper. For most of our thirties, Mari and I enjoyed sparring in our weekly column, sharing sometimes dissenting opinions, but always enjoying our forced weekly viewings and the resulting (mostly) publishable dialogue.

There was a lot of popcorn and secretly-stashed snacks involved!

Sometimes the skies open wide and the worlds of books and film collide in pure poetic perfection and such is the case with one of my favorite films (which brings me back from reverie to this here London blog episode).

1987's 84 Charing Cross Road has it all for film lovers, book lovers, and lovers of England and beloved actors (Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, Judi Dench) alike. Visiting the site of the bookstore featured in the biographical film was high on my list when visiting London that first time. As easily accessible as a tube stop (or opening a beloved book), the site of number 84 may no longer be home to Marks & Co. from Helene Hanff's memoir, but nearby booksellers such as the one pictured above will more than satisfy the romantic cinematic cravings of literary travelers.


Since our first London visit, a signed copy of Hanff's book has made its well-traveled way into one of my most beloved collections.

Her inscription seemed destined to find its way into my most welcome and appreciative hands, "To an unknown booklover."

That's me!

If a visit to a proper bookstore is a must (and it should be), then you must visit Hatchards, London's oldest bookshop, celebrating 220 years this year. If you love books, you must go.

hatchards.co.uk

I was lucky enough to find signed copies of a new novel still available from a recent store visit by John le Carré. The selection of children's books was quite overwhelming, too, and I was able to find a beautifully illustrated Paddington for my youngest nephew.

We visited the new Hatchards location following another favorite and quite stereotypical London afternoon pastime. Tea. Tea for two and two for tea and all that, yes. Prior to our first London visit, Mari and I had previously enjoyed a special 10th anniversary "high tea" at the Grand Hotel on Michigan's Mackinac Island, filming location of my favorite sappily-romantic film, Somewhere in Time.

These photos are from a more recent visit to London's Fortnum & Mason, after the department store's tea room was redecorated and renamed in honor of the queen's diamond jubilee.

Accoutrement aplenty, high tea service while visiting London is an indulgent treat satisfyingly savored with sappily-romantic spouses. Somewhere among those toweringly tempting treats (don't forget the cheese plate!) there is some tea, I promise.

Although not driven by sappy romanticism (or my not-so-secret movie crush on Jane Seymour), tea at London's iconic Fortnum & Mason (right next door to the new Hatchards location) was recommended by my little Lonely Planet London guide, so off we went in search of the elusive perfect cuppa (and hunka).

Explore both sites before your visit, but be sure to ink an entire afternoon in your itinerary to fully appreciate both experiences. Fortnum's food hall is foodie paradise. Don't go hungry!

fortnumandmason.com

(Select the Restaurants tab, then The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon tab

to see photos, menus, and to make a reservation.)

I know, "Tea and books, Lou? You're in London, for crying out loud, and you're having tea and buying books?!" There were a few more items planned for that first visit to London, but so many more kept creeping onto my list that we knew we'd need a return trip (or two or three) before making any serious itinerary progress. Even fleamarketing took a back seat to typical tourist traps on that first visit, but they ain't tourist traps for nothin'.

We get the royal treatment, next time.