Did You Know That There’s a Bookshop With The Mission to Test Cookbooks’ Recipes For You?

Choosing a cookbook can be as overwhelming as choosing a dish from a menu – why settle for one when you can taste them all? In Notting Hill, London, there’s a bookshop that lets you do just that. Welcome to Books for Cooks, a paradise for food lovers where the mission is to test out recipes from the cookbooks they sell, ensuring you know exactly what you’re getting into before you take that recipe home.

What is Books for Cooks?

Books for Cooks is not just a bookstore; it’s an experience. Founded in 1983 by Heidi Lascelles, this charming shop quickly became a beloved spot for culinary enthusiasts. Nestled just off Portobello Road, the store boasts an extensive collection of cookbooks – over 8,000 titles from all corners of the globe. But what truly sets it apart is the test kitchen at the back. Here, the team, led by co-owner Eric Treuille, cooks recipes from the books on their shelves, transforming theoretical recipes into actual dishes. Each day, a new cookbook is selected, and its recipes are prepared and served to eager customers who form lines long before the shop opens at noon​.

A Brief History of Books for Cooks

The concept of Books for Cooks sprang from Heidi Lascelles' passion for food and the desire to create a space where recipes could be both read and tasted. Despite not being a trained cook or professional bookseller, Lascelles’ vision took shape, and the shop became a hit among locals and tourists alike. When Lascelles retired in 2001, Rosie Kindersley and Eric Treuille took over, continuing the tradition and expanding the shop's offerings. Under their stewardship, the test kitchen has thrived, and Books for Cooks has maintained its reputation as an epicurean haven​.

Why is it Called Books for Cooks?

The name “Books for Cooks” is as straightforward as it is inviting. It’s a bookstore dedicated entirely to cookbooks, making it a one-stop shop for cooks of all levels. The name also hints at the practical approach the shop takes towards cooking – it’s not just about selling books, but about bringing them to life. By testing recipes daily, Books for Cooks ensures that the books they sell are reliable and the recipes achievable, providing customers with a firsthand taste of what they can create at home​​.

Books for Cooks vs. Regular Bookshops

Unlike regular bookshops, Books for Cooks offers a unique blend of literature and cuisine. While typical bookstores might offer a few shelves dedicated to cookbooks, this shop is entirely focused on culinary arts. The presence of an open kitchen where recipes are tested daily sets it apart from any other bookshop. Here, food isn’t just something to read about; it’s something to taste, smell, and enjoy. The daily-changing menu, the vibrant community of regulars, and the educational workshops all contribute to an immersive experience that turns browsing into a sensory adventure​​.