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Gay's The Word
Shopping

Gay's The Word

Britain's landmark independent LGBTQ+ bookshop in Bloomsbury

London, UK
5.0
1,552 reviews

Neighbourhood

London

Category

Shopping

Vibe

LGBTQ+ bookshop, Bloomsbury +5

Official website

About Gay's The Word

Gay's The Word is a London LGBTQ+ landmark and one of the world's best-known independent queer bookshops. Opened in Bloomsbury in 1979, it became a crucial place to find lesbian and gay writing when mainstream bookshops offered little—and a meeting place for activists, readers and community groups. Today the shelves cover LGBTQ+ fiction, memoir, politics, history, poetry, children's books, graphic novels and more, with knowledgeable booksellers who can help you navigate both classics and new releases. The shop's role in Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners reached a wider audience through the film Pride, but its living community role matters as much as its history. Drop in to browse, discover a new writer or attend an author event. The shop is compact, so check its current calendar and opening hours before travelling for something specific.

What to expect

Expect a small, welcoming and densely stocked bookshop where the team know queer literature deeply. Events can make the space particularly busy.

Vibes

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

Closed Mondays; open Tuesday to Saturday 11:00–18:00 and Sunday 13:00–18:00
Author talks and community events may require advance booking
The shop is compact and can be especially busy on Fridays and weekends

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Location

Gay's The Word

66 Marchmont Street, London WC1N 1AB, UK

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Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

4.9

1,552 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay and Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    5.0
  • Google Maps
    4.9

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

avery outerbridge
avery outerbridge

8 months ago

The coolest and cutest bookstore in London!! Exactly the kind of place we need these days. The best curated books and the nicest staff. Found exactly what I needed so easily. Plus there is a huge table with free resources!! 10/10 everything!

Review from Google Maps

Phoenix Hogg
Phoenix Hogg

a month ago

I visited Gay's The Word for the first time today, and it was such a meaningful experience. I came away with a stack of books and honestly would have bought even more if I could have carried them! This visit meant far more than just buying books. I've spent over 30 years hiding who I am, and walking into a space where I felt safe, welcome and accepted was incredibly moving. It made me wish I'd known places like this existed back in 1995. I also wish I hadn't felt I had to hide for so long. Thank you for creating and protecting such a warm, inclusive and welcoming space. It means more than words can say, and I know I'm not the only person whose life is made a little brighter by walking through your door. Thank you for opening the door to a world I've wanted to be part of for a very long time .

Review from Google Maps

Ellie Brodie
Ellie Brodie

3 months ago

Staff are super helpful with recommendations :) I could have easily spent hours in here. It was busy right up until closing when I visited mid-week (not during school holidays).

Review from Google Maps

Esmee Roxs
Esmee Roxs

2 months ago

Lovely atmosphere and amazing selection of books! I really felt at home here💓

Review from Google Maps

edith laux
edith laux

a month ago

the loveliest bookstore i've seen in years. impeccably curated & stocked with everything from queer classics to niche second-hand finds, with a very cozy & intimate atmosphere (and good music too), and kind-hearted people working & browsing! thank you for this gem of a bookstore.

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Last updated
12 September 2026
Listed in
London › United Kingdom
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google