"John La Rose and his wife Sarah White set up New Beacon Books to share the history and politics of Black Britain and Europe. Filled to the rafters with 35,000 books, they cover an impressive bit of history that shaped the area, the city and the nation. The shop is the first independent publisher for Caribbean and Black interest fiction and nonfiction. Spend an afternoon in this little treasure chest of vibrant books, postcards and retro TVs. Make sure to have a chat with Sarah, who runs the shop to this day." - The Barefaced Movement
"New Beacon Books, Finsbury Park. John La Rose and his wife Sarah White set up New Beacon Books to share the history and politics of Black Britain and Europe. Filled to the rafters with 35,000 books, they cover an impressive bit of history that shaped the area, the city and the nation. The shop is the first independent publisher for Caribbean and Black interest fiction and nonfiction. Spend an afternoon in this little treasure chest of vibrant books, postcards and retro TVs. Make sure to have a chat with Sarah, who runs the shop to this day."
Amazing bookstore which celebrates the full range of black culture. I came to buy some children's books but was thoroughly distracted by the artistry and literature on show.
Staff are very warm and welcoming, and I was even given a short history lesson, covering the late Founder, John La Rose, to the archive and educational centre, the George Padmore Institute. It's clear how important this place is for the community and I will definitely be back as soon as possible.
Fei H
Google
Went to this bookstore randomly because it was the nearest one:) and I was surprised by the variety of books they have and found some amazing books to read🤲✨🤍
Isar E
Google
I love this bookshop!!! They are also publishers of south Sudanese poet Anai Kelueljang's a myth to freedom. Harbour a wide variety of specialised books on: African economy such as the Sierra Leonian diamond economy, sub Saharan Arms trade and the economies of corruption; and other un-popularised works. The books are majority African authored, there is no other bookshop in London with even remotely as many African authored books (I have looked). New Beacon pays special tribute to Africa by valuing its literature.
Aydan Tair
Google
An iconic, important book shop promoting authors and books you normally can't find anywhere else - nay you live even longer and prosper!
Nnenna Umelloh
Google
I love seeing black owned bookshops. This is a nice cozy bookshop just north of London. The staff are lovely and helpful. There's a couple of seats you can use to sit and read a book.
Tanya Lake
Google
This book seller specialises in works from the Caribbean, Black British, African and African American. The collection includes fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. You’ll find everything from poetry to history, fiction, non fiction and children's books. This is a real find and worth visiting.
Afro Wit
Google
Good stardard of service from staff and it's made easy to order books they don't have.
Update: Went on a Thursday at 2pm only to find it closed. Very disappointing. Even if an update could be shared on social media it is closed for whatever reason that would've been appreciated.
Alexandra Benjamin
Google
Amazing independent bookstore with so many amazing books and the most knowledgeable owners!
Lupe S.
Yelp
Wonderful Black bookstore with a fantastic history. I was so thankful to have this space for Black scholarship and creativity. They have a very large selection of children's books and readers that is supplemented by Black academic and fiction titles, greeting cards, jewelry, and clothings. This is a great place to stock up special editions of your old favorites or to buy new best sellers! Thank you New Beacon!