Two London powerhouses are joining forces to open a casual all-day cafe in Bloomsbury next week. London institution St John is taking over the space next to the beloved London Review Bookshop to serve a menu of its renowned baked goods, as well as sandwiches, coffee and wine.
The new cafe will replace the popular London Review Cake Shop, which closed in July 2024 after 17 years. “We were curious when the London Review of Books asked us about their cafe at the bookshop – would we come by and take a look,” St John co-founder and CEO Trevor Gulliver said in a statement. “One thing has led to another, the discovery of the hidden square with the little terrace behind the bookstore, the general delight in working with the LRB, its location and the good feeling that an independent bookstore provides to many.”
On the menu, there’ll be St John classics like spiced Eccles cakes and fluffy doughnuts, as well as made-to-order madeleines and a small selection of St John wines. “[It’s] a small changing menu with good things from the bakery to enjoy at the table or take away, a short wine list, and a happy adjunct to the joy of browsing and books,” Gulliver said.
“As soon as it became clear that St John would be joining us on Bury Place, it felt like one of those delicious pairings, like bread and wine, madeleines and coffee,” LRB publisher Reneé Doegar added. “In my 14 years with the LRB, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such unanimous delight across the magazine and bookshop teams.
“Bringing this idea to life with St John has been a genuine meeting of minds, and I’m thrilled to offer our bookshop community something so rich in both flavour and spirit.”
The space adjoins the bookshop, with a terrace at the back for warmer days. The cafe will usually close at 6.30pm, when the store closes, but will stay open later some evenings for special events at the bookshop.
St John at the London Review Bookshop will open on Wednesday October 1.
St John at the London Review Bookshop
14–16 Bury Place, WC1A 2JL
Hours:
Mon to Sat 8am–6.30pm
Sun midday–6pm
