The 19 best stationery shops in London (2027)

You might think that stationery shops are only needed when you are looking to upgrade your desk space or need of a new pencil case at the start of the school year but the reality is that the best stationery shops in London sell so much more than simply the perfect pen.

These largely independent stores are a joy to discover, with shelves stocked full of beautiful fountain pens and elegant notebooks, alongside hand marbled paper, hand-painted greetings cards, decorative papers, stylish weekly planners and much more. 

So, if you are looking for a new notebook or an original gift – or, like me, you simply have a love of stationery – then you’re in the right place. I’ve lived in London for nearly a decade and during that time I’ve visited every shop on this list.

*Updated for 2027

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A quick stationery fix

If you’re short on time, then here are my favourite stationery stores in London.

How I choose these stationery shops

When I moved back to London from Mexico I stumbled upon Choosing Keeping while exploring Covent Garden. This emporium of beautiful stationery remains one of my favourites in London but it also inspired me to get out and see what other stationery shops I could find.

Every shop on this list is one that I’ve visited myself, often multiple times. I’ve chosen them for the quality and originality of what’s on their shelves, how enjoyable they are to browse and whether I would recommend them to friends. This list is mostly independent shops but it does include a couple of chains, like Muji and Smiggle, that are helpful for families and budget buys.

Map of the best stationery shops in London

Map Key:

• Orange: The best independent stationery shops in London
• Purple: Luxury and personalised stationery
• Yellow: The best shops for fountain pens and Japanese stationery
• Green: The best art supply shops in London
• Pink: The best stationery shops for kids and teens

NB: some shops feature in more than one category

The best independent stationery shops in London

Choosing Keeping, Covent Garden

Choosing Keeping, one of the best stationery shops in London and my favourite. It started life along Columbia Road in East London but moved to Covent Garden in 2018. You can lose hours here browsing the beautiful stationery, all sourced from small, independent suppliers. The focus is on high-quality stationery and stock includes Japanese and Italian writing papers, gold nib fountain pens, Japanese pencils and hand-marbled papers.

My tip: The glass paperweights are stunning but they also stock pretty notebooks that are more affordable.

Address: 21 Tower Street, WC2H 9NS * Nearest tube: Leicester Square * Hours: 10am – 6.30pm Mon – Sat, 11.30am – 5.30pm Sun.

Pentreath & Hall, Lamb’s Conduit Street

The Pentreath & Hall bricks and mortar shop is beautiful but it stocks just a fraction of what the online emporium does. In addition to elegant candlesticks and stylish waste paper baskets, there are some very pretty patterned box files. If you buy anything online then you can pick it up in person from their shop.

My tip: The colourful alphabet brush pots are my favourite.

Address: 57 Lambs Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB * Nearest tube: Russell Square, Holborn, Chancery Lane * Hours: 11am – 6pm Tues- Fri, until 5pm Sat

Present & Correct, Bloomsbury

Present & Correct is a one-stop destination for good-looking stationery with pieces sourced from more than 18 countries around the world – the owners travel regularly in search of the perfect pens and pencils. Expect items such as funky metal paper clips, rotary pencil sharpeners and elegant Viarco pencils. You’ll also find white school chalk from Finland, a 1971 spring stamp set from Bulgaria, stainless steel scissors crafted in Japan and two tone ballpoint pens from Sweden.

My tip: I love their weekly planners and diaries.

Address: 12 Bury Place, WC1A 2JL * Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road * Hours: 11am – 6pm Mon – Sat

Labour and Wait, Shoreditch

The flagship Labour and Wait store sits in the old Truman pub, one of a handful of excellent independent stores located along Redchurch Street in east London. Although not a dedicated stationary shop, they do have a very cool section dedicated to mechanical pencils, notebooks, exercise books, postcards and chalk from Kreiden, Germany’s oldest chalk factory, founded in 1870. You’ll find additional branches in Dover Street Market, Covent Garden and Marylebone.

My tip: Their letter postcards, traditional notebooks and labels are all personal favourites.

Address: 85 Redchurch Street, E2 7DJ * Nearest tube: Aldgate East and Liverpool Street * Hours: 11am – 6pm Tues- Sun

Papersmiths, Chelsea 

Papersmiths is a pretty stationery shop in Chelsea that champions independent labels. The label was started in 2013 by Sidonie with only £500 – today there are two Papersmiths stores (the second branch is in Brighton) and a legion of loyal fans – myself included. They stock everything from academic year planners and wall calendars to notebooks, journals, a range of books and colourful Artline fine pens.

My tip: As well as the Le Pen Art Pens, I’m a big fan of their notebooks and notebook bands, perfect for holding pens and pencils.

Address: 170 Pavilion Rd, SW1X 0AW * Nearest tube: Aldgate East and Liverpool Street * Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon – Sat, 10am – 6pm Sun

Search & Rescue, Stoke Newington

One of the most stylish stationery shops in London is Search & Rescue, which sells notebooks in a range of fun colours and designs, weekly planners and Mark’s Inc mini ballpoint pens. They also stock a varied and stylish range of homewares including candles, travel books, chocolate and small range of kids’ wall art. 

My tip: Their checkered notebooks make great gifts (for you or someone else!)

Address: 129 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0UH * Nearest tube: Manor House * Hours: 10am – 6pm daily

Marby & Elm, Exmouth Market

Marby & Elm specialise in cards and prints with witty slogans that are designed, printed and packaged in-house. They also sell candles, gift bags, calendars, pens and more. It’s a great one for teens or if you’re looking for a fun present for a friend.

My tip: My favourites are their bright letterpress printed cards.

Address: 53 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL * Nearest tube: Farringdon and Angel * Hours: 12am – 5pm Tues – Sat

Lead Tin, Wandsworth

It’s a bit of a trek to Wandsworth if you don’t happen to live in South London but this pretty store is worth the trip. Filled with a huge selection of stylish stationery, Lead Tin is the perfect place for picking up a special gift or for making your work-from-home desk more stylish. They’ve got a good selection of paints alongside their paper and pens as well as a dedicated kids’ corner.

My tip: Their Hightide hourglasses are a good way to manage my time (and stop procrastinating!)

Address: 36 Webb’s Rd, SW11 6SF * Nearest station: Wandsworth Common * Hours: 10am – 5pm Tues – Sat, 11am – 2pm Sun

Luxury and personalised stationery

Liberty, Regent Street

One of the city’s most famous stores, Liberty is also one of the best stationery shops in London. Head to the ground floor of this iconic shop and you will find the stationery department stocked with diaries, notebooks, desk accessories, cards and rolls of wrapping paper all in the company’s signature ‘Liberty prints’. They make a great souvenir from London. 

My tip: The Liberty prints notebooks are my top tip for a unique London gift.

Address: Regent Street, W1B 5AH * Nearest station: Oxford Circus * Hours: 10am – 8pm Mon – Sat, 12pm – 6pm Sun

Mount Street Printers, Mayfair

For beautiful and bespoke stationery head for Mount Street Printers who are experts in producing fine and luxury stationery. This is the place to come if you’re looking for personalised writing paper, personalised business cards, one-of-a-kind party invitations or even wedding invites.

My tip: The personalised notepaper, engraved and die-stamped, is really beautiful.

Address: 4 Mount St. W1K 3LW * Nearest station: Marble Arch * Hours: 10am – 6pm Mon – Fri, 12pm – 6pm Sat, closed Sun

Pemberly Fox, Chelsea

Another good option for personalised and bespoke stationery, Pemberly Fox produces beautiful wedding invitations in addition to themed greeting cards, embossed writing paper and business cards, printed envelopes and letterheads.

My tip: Their bordered stationery is lovely and their patterned greeting cards and handy for when you need a last minute birthday or thank you card.

Address: 132-134 Lots Road, SW10 0RJ * Nearest station: Fulham Broadway * Hours: By appointment only

Smythson, Sloane Street

Smythson has been making stationery since 1887 and it still holds two Royal Warrants. Past customers include movie star Grace Kelly and adventurer Sir Edmund Hillary. Although the shop on Bond Street is no longer there, you can still pick up its leather-bound diaries and notebooks in its Sloane Street Store.

My tip: If you can stretch to a notebook then make sure you get it personalised with your initials, it’s the perfect London souvenir.

Address: 141-142 Sloane Street, SW1X 9AY * Nearest station: Sloane Square * Hours: 10am – 6pm Mon – Sat, 11am – 5pm Sun

Best shops for fountain pens and Japanese stationery

Muji, Tottenham Court Road

Muji is well known for its practical, stylish and minimal products that range from homewares to fashion but what we really love this store for is its Japanese stationery at an affordable price point. This is the place to come for everyday essentials for work and school from desktop organisers and storage to tape dispensers and notebooks.

My tip: My kids love Muji’s gel ink pen sets and their coloured pencils. 

Address: Various locations, try 6-17 Tottenham Ct Rd, W1T 1BF * Nearest station: Tottenham CourtRoad & Oxford Circus * Hours: 10am – 9pm Mon – Sat, 12pm – 6pm Sun

Choosing Keeping, Covent Garden

In addition to their own Made-in-Japan notebook, that comes with 78g paper, a Showa-era side label and a flat-opening sewn binding, Choosing Keeping has luxury Japanese fountain pens, Gansai watercolour sets, wash tape, silk-screen chiyogami prints and cast-bass desk accessories made in Takaoka.

My tip: The watercolour sets start from £25 and make really lovely presents.

Address: 21 Tower Street, WC2H 9NS * Nearest tube: Leicester Square * Hours: 10am – 6.30pm Mon – Sat, 11.30am – 5.30pm Sun.

The London Graphic Centre, Covent Garden

London Graphic Centre is a Covent Garden treasure trove for Japanese stationery lovers. Look out for Tombow dual brush pens and Mono erasers, Kuretake brush pens, Midori notebooks, and Traveler’s Company modular journals with matching brass pencils. There are some fun vintage-style clips by Hightide and lots of retro notebooks, for journaling and sketching.

My tip: The Midori notebook stickers are very cute and are always a hit with kids. My favourites are the New Retro Ajigami Memo Pads.

Address: 16-18 Shelton Street, WC2H 9JL * Nearest tube: Covent Garden & Leicester Square * Hours: 10am – 7.30pm Mon – Sat, 11.30am – 5.30pm Sun.

Best art supply shops in London

Cass Art, Charing Cross

Serious artists and passionate amateur artists should head straight for a Cass Art store. This small chain of shops have been supplying artists – including Monet, Churchill and Hockney – since their first art store opened over 125 years ago. Created with the aim of making art accessible for all, no matter age or experience, the family-owned business stock absolutely everything from easels and canvases to pastels and pencils.

My tip: They have a very good selection of screen printing kits.

Address: There are six locations around London, try 13 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0EP * Nearest tube: Charing Cross * Hours: 10am – 7pm Mon – Sat, 11am – 6pm Sun.

Cowling and Wilcox, Shoreditch

Cowling and Wilcox have been selling art supplies since 1960 and today have three stationery shops in London. They stock a huge array of high quality art supplies from brands including Faber-Castell, Winsor & Newton, Reeves and more. Come here for fine and graphic art materials or simply to stock up your craft cupboard at home. 

My tip: We love their enormous selection of drawing pads and mount boards – perfect for rainy day craft activities!

Address: There are three locations around London, try 112 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JN * Nearest tube: Liverpool Street * Hours: 9.30am – 6pm Mon – Sat, 11am – 5pm Sun.

Stuart R. Stevenson, Clerkenwell

Stuart R. Stevenson is a family run independent shop in Clerkenwell that was granted the Royal Warrant in 1994 by Queen Elizabeth II. They have been selling artist tools alongside materials for gilding and restoration since 1980 and remain one of the beset stationery stores for serious artists. Artists pigments, wax stamps and sealing wax also line their shelves.

My tip: Everything in here is just beautiful; I really like the finaliner pens by Tom’s Studio.

Address: 68 Clerkenwell Road EC1M 5QA * Nearest tube: Farringdon * Hours: 9am – 5pm Mon – Fri.

London Graphic Centre, Covent Garden

Located in Covent Garden in the heart of London, is the London Graphic Centre is a one-stop shop for everything creative. It’s long been a favourite with graphic designers, artists, architects, and students thanks to its huge selection of tools and materials at affordable and professional prices.

My tip: They do a very good 15% student discount (you will need to show ID).

Address: 16-18 Shelton Street, WC2H 9JL * Nearest tube: Covent Garden & Leicester Square * Hours: 10am – 7.30pm Mon – Sat, 11.30am – 5.30pm Sun.

Best stationery shops for kids and teens

Smiggle, Oxford Street

If you like your stationery bright and sparkly and your backpacks loud and sparkly (and you happen to be under 10 years old) then you will love Smiggle. These high street stores are jam-packed with dopamine-inducing colour: patterned backpacks, colourful lunchboxes and water bottles, themed notebooks, funky diaries and much more.

My tip: Set a budget, Smiggle is a whirlwind of glitter notebooks and neon pens but it’s not cheap!

Address: Various locations in London, try 110 Oxford Street W1D 1LS * Nearest tube: Oxford Circus * Hours: 10am – 9pm Mon – Sat, 11.30am – 6pm Sun.

Muji, Tottenham Court Road

Muji has some great stuff for kids. I like their Back to School selection that includes a long-lasting (and cool-looking) black eraser, a double-sided ruler and simple, affordable notebooks. Other items my kids are coveting (but don’t actually need) are the handheld shredder and the cable case that turns into a phone stand.

My tip: Their colourful origami paper is a cheap and easy way to keep kids busy (and make great stocking stuffers at Christmas).

Address: Various locations, try 6-17 Tottenham Ct Rd, W1T 1BF * Nearest station: Tottenham CourtRoad & Oxford Circus * Hours: 10am – 9pm Mon – Sat, 12pm – 6pm Sun

Tate Modern Store

Although not a dedicated stationery store, the shop at the Tate Modern deserves a mention because of its good-looking stationery items. Among the many creative gifts they sell, I love the contemporary sketchbooks, the washable felt pens and patterned washi tape. They also stock sunography kits, where you can create custom, deep-blue photogram prints directly on specially prepared cards using only sunlight and water. Combine a trip here with a visit to one of the museum galleries.

My tip: The make-your-own postcard kits are fun to take on holiday.

Address: Tate Modern Bankside, SE1 9TG * Nearest station: Southwark * Hours: 10am – 6pm Sun – Thurs, 10am – 9pm Fri & Sat

Marby & Elm, Exmouth Market

Your teen will love the cheeky (and sometimes risqué) cards and prints that are designed, printed and packaged in-house at Marby & Elm. They also sell candles, gift bags, calendars, pens and more. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a fun present for a friend.

My tip: Their bespoke candle service makes an original gift.

Address: 53 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL * Nearest tube: Farringdon and Angel * Hours: 12am – 5pm Tues – Sat

FAQs

Where can I buy Japanese stationery in London?

Choosing Keeping in Covent Garden is the best place for beautiful Japanese stationery, from pencils and writing paper to Japanese watercolour sets. For cheaper everyday buys, Muji sells Japanese gel pens, notebooks and desk organisers at more wallet- friendly prices, with several central London stores, including Tottenham Court Road. Present & Correct in Bloomsbury also has Japanese pieces among its finds from around the world.

What’s the best stationery shop in Covent Garden?

Choosing Keeping is my favourite. It’s small, beautifully curated, and full of fountain pens, marbled papers and Japanese and Italian stationery from small makers. If you need art or design supplies, London Graphic Centre is nearby and stocks everything across two floors. Present & Correct and Pentreath & Hall are a short walk away in Bloomsbury, so it’s easy to make a morning of it (see the map above).

Where can I buy fountain pens in London?

Choosing Keeping stocks gold-nib fountain pens alongside inks and fine papers. Smythson on Sloane Street and Liberty’s stationery hall are good for luxury pens and gifts.

What are the best stationery shops in London for kids?

For years, my youngest loved Smiggle with its bright, glittery notebooks, pencil cases and lunchboxes. They’ve grown out of the Technicolour backpacks now but if you have younger kids then I can’t recommend it enough. Muji is great for affordable gel pens and colouring pencils, which my kids love. The Tate Modern shop has sketchbooks, washi tape and make-your-own postcard kits, and it’s easy to pair with a free visit to the gallery. Teens tend to love the witty cards and prints at Marby & Elm.

What stationery makes a good London gift or souvenir?

Liberty’s is hard to beat, with notebooks, diaries and wrapping paper in the famous Liberty prints. For a luxury present, Smythson’s leather notebooks can be personalised with initials in store. For something smaller, try a Choosing Keeping pencil set or a card from Marby & Elm.

Where can I buy art supplies in London?

Cass Art is the most accessible option for all abilities, with branches across London including its Islington flagship. London Graphic Centre in Covent Garden is a favourite of designers and students. For specialist materials such as pigments and gilding supplies, Stuart R. Stevenson in Clerkenwell is a family-run institution holding a Royal Warrant.

Is there still a Paperchase in London?

Sadly, no. Paperchase went into administration in January 2023 and all its shops have since closed. Tesco bought the brand, so Paperchase stationery is now sold in selected Tesco stores and online.