The back story to Balham’s Backstory

Balham’s newest store, as they eloquently put, is an “independent bookshop that cherishes every book’s backstory”. It opened in its first bricks and mortar location (71 Balham High Road) having had a relatively long life as a pop up at Hildreth Street’s Saturday market.

It really has been a labour of love for owner Tom, who has had dreams of having a book store to call his own since childhood. There is clearly a huge amount of effort that has gone into every aspect of the new shop; the decor is a vibrant blue, there is a book subscription service, a bookclub, a newsletter and coffee and drinks available in store too. All of these thoughtful additions are what really separates Backstory from the book giants of the world. They’re Balham’s only independent book shop and we’d highly recommend you heading there when you are on the hunt for your next read.