Foyles bookshop

The world’s largest bookshop, Foyles, has celebrated its first year at a new purpose-built shop just a few yards down the street from its long established Charing Cross Road property. 

It has a very fine air transport section where one can find some obscure titles. 

Chris Foyle, Chairman of Foyles, is one time owner of air operator Air Foyle, the original AOC holder for easyJet, and a former President of the Air League.

At a reception to celebrate the anniversary Chris said that the e-book explosion had to some extent evaporated.  “We were concerned that the electronic reader would take over from the printed word.  This has just not happened particularly with the younger element. It is early days yet but week by week sales are increasing from the old shop of 12 months ago.”

Sad to say Foyles has discontinued its famous literary lunches, with many a Prime Minister as the guest speaker, Maggie Thatcher always keen to appear, previous other notables including Prince Philip, General de Gaulle, General Sikorski and Emperor Haile Selassie.  A pity.

The store now holds a large number of evening literary events plus popular jazz sessions.  The café always seems to be busy and not just because of the free wi-fi.  www.foyles.co.uk

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