Reviews of The Portobello Bookshop. (Shop) in Edinburgh (East Lothian).

The Portobello Bookshop

331 Reviews

186 Comments

Shop

Book store

46 Portobello High St, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 1DA, United Kingdom

Description

Information of The Portobello Bookshop, Shop in Edinburgh (East Lothian)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of The Portobello Bookshop

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of The Portobello Bookshop

D. F.

Wonderful bookshop, big but spacious with lots of interesting things to dig out. Nice dedicated children's section too.

A. A.

Love it. One of the greatest shop I have ever been in the all Scotland. Friendly staff, great product and books. The display is very good and they know how to attract your attention on good products. Great place if you don't know how to choose books and if you are looking for gifts. They have lots of games too.

S. C.

Loved this place, huge selection of books and beautifully curated. Wish i could've spent more time perusing!

K. L.

Outstanding bookshop! Fantastic selection of the latest in literature - as well as classics. I was there with my family and we were all looking at different sections. All beautifully displayed. A great addition to Portobello High Street, but also worth traveling specially!

A. H.

This bookshop is magic, I can confidently say this despite not having been in person. Attended a fantastic book launch online with the quick-witted New York Times illustrator Will McPhail, got a discount to buy his signed book and was blown away by the customer service when my code failed at checkout. Each staff member who replied to my email chain was helpful and generous. They sorted me out with a new discount code, made sure I still got a signed & dedicated copy by keeping my book aside until Will next popped by (only a few days later as clearly it is his favourite book shop too) AND when I received it in the post I found a signed print from the badinage king himself, a pin badge and stickers to boot. Perfect wonderful bookshop, you have my eternal thanks.

R. B.

Excellent shop. The selection of books was really good. I attended a book-signing and the whole evening was also brilliant. The staff were both knowledgeable and friendly. I don't live nearby but I will be using their mail order service for some more specialised books.

D. C. V.

There are all sort of books' categories. I was in an author's reading, chaired by a professor of the University of Edinburgh and in conversation with the book's translator. It is amazing that they do this kind of sessions. Very impressed! This is now in the list of my favourite bookshops!

L.

Great children area with seats and teepee. Excellent selection of books for adults and children. Some seats in adult area cleverly fitted between the shelves and the whole shop somehow does not feel cramped

S. C.

very nice, good feminist and queer section !

L. V.

A bookshop of dreams! I visited for the first time at the weekend and it's clear that the staff take pride in what they do, offering a specially curated selection of books to choose from. I'll definitely be back!

D. M.

Staff are helpful and will look books up for you. Nice shop on the high street and wasn't too busy when I was there. Can browse books or sit and look thru them.

P. F.

Lovely, friendly bookshop. No issues with the item I had put aside, and found two books I hadn't seen in other bookshops.

C. O.

A lovely local and independent bookshop in Portobello. Beautiful interior design, great selection of books and very helpful staff. Convenient location too next to the beach and on Portobello high street.

J. B.

Lovely spacious independent bookshop with a nice range of books and small selection of stationery. There are clearly defined areas e.g. children's, graphic novels etc and cosy book nooks and sitting areas along with lush plants and friendly staff. Look out for author events in store.

J. B.

Really like the feel to this bookshop and specifically came here whilst I’m Edinburgh. Good edit of available titles. Remember August is Women in Translation month and they have a specific selection

t.

Mid sized and nicely curated. Bought a gorgeous soft baby book for a friend. Neatly wrapped at till and fairly priced. A lovely wee shop

N. B.

Brilliant bookshop in my local area. They sell cards and magazines too. If they don't have what you're looking for they will order it in!

T. F. L.

Nice little bookshop. Very bright & clean. Visited with daughter as she found out they were donating that day's profits to the Ukraine appeal. Not the widest selection of books in-store, but it's not a big place so they can't have everything available. I'm told they have a much bigger selection online though, so I'm sure they can order in anything for you. There's also a nice little selection of cards, stationery & even some modern board games (which pleased me as a regular board-gamer!) Despite my slight disappointment at the limited range of titles, I still managed to come away with my bank balance lighter than before I went in, and the staff were lovely as I paid up. All that said, a great little indy bookshop in the days of the big chains is a rarity, and a delight to find & support.

C. B.

One of the best book shops in town. Great selection and staff are lovely.

S. C.

Nice bookshop. Gives an individual feel unlike what you get from Watersons etc. Nice selection of your books that are popular as well as ones you just happen upon. Real modern and relaxing inside with a great kids section.

R. H.

Friendly knowledgeable staff help make one of Scotlands best bookshops.

D. D.

Wonderful local bookshop with super selection of books and very lively book events scene. Shop is beautifully designed and maintained and staff are lovely. A treat to visit. Now has excellent coffee shop next door. An excellent addition to burgeoning Portobello area. A must visit.

F. W.

Great bookshop. Wonderful selection and knowledgeable and friendly staff

D. N.

Really friendly, well stocked and peaceful bookshop. Great range of books across many different genres, dedicated children's area, recommendations in different sections. It's Indy Bookshop week, so places like this definitely deserve our support.

B. D.

A truly excellent bookshop with the most wonderful staff you could ever wish to deal with. My first choice when I go to buy a book. They have gone above and beyond when I've been trying to find certain books and I can honestly say that I have had nothing but a perfect experience when ordering from them.

K.

My partner was in heaven here,seemingly this is a must visit shop if your into books,although my wallet thought it was an E.L.E lol

R. W.

I absolutely adore the Portobello Bookshop and order a lot of my books from here (whether they have them listed as in stock or not, as they are always happy to order books in). There is a wonderful selection both online and in store and it's so refreshing to see a bookshop that is spacious enough for prams and wheelchairs (it has a ramp too). The team are always so so friendly and happy to help/answer queries and I'm always made to feel welcome and a valued customer. I also love the events Porty Books puts on as there is such a good array. A big well done to the team for creating such a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere!

A. A.

Great indie bookshop, attractive, well laid out, good selection, friendly.

d. s.

What a wonderful shop ! A small corner of heaven on Earth. There’s loads of space, you never feel crushed. High ceilings and airy this shop would not be out of place on George Street. Fantastic choice of books, very diverse but they will happily take orders for you. My books came the next day. The helpful staff go out their way to help you. Between them they’re good at helping you find the author who’s name you can’t remember. Wish them every success in the future. Love the shop it’s self, the lovely staff and the books I’ve not met yet !

A. M.

Just popped in and the place was lovely. Nice book selections and was nice to be lead round the shop. Not expensive but that's what all book places are now a days.

M. S.

A beautiful shop, spacious , light and airy. Well laid out making it easy to find what you’re looking for. Great, happy staff ready to help and order books they may not have in stock. Fantastic choice and loads of food for thought. Lots of seats to sit and browse in wee quiet corners. I have had new authors suggested to me by purchases. Will be back , soon.

K. K.

Great location with a great atmosphere! The staff are very friendly and helpful and generally it's a beautiful bookshop :)

c. c.

What a fabulous bookshop Portobello Book is, bringing a fantastic vibrancy to this emerging sea-side town. I can’t wait to visit in person. However for now I will have to review the straightforward and efficient experience of ordering books and vouchers . Friendly staff took my telephone order for vouchers and dispatched effortlessly to the recipients. Online orders were posted seamlessly to friends and family. The pleasure of receiving an unexpected book by post must not be underestimated . I particularly enjoyed online browsing experience it was clear and artistically uncluttered . The book collections were novel and interesting , altogether a stimulating and rewarding experience, so five stars for Porty books. Well done !.

R. G.

Lovely environment, great range of books, beautifully displayed and they'll always order in something you can't find

s.

Independent bookseller, peace and quiet, no music. Nice little seating nooks for adults and kids

H. H.

Great little book shop with a surprisingly varied stock. Fantasy sci fi selection isn't huge but staff are very friendly and happy to help you order books in. Mines was ready next day.

P. D.

We took our granddaughter to use her birthday book token. She loved the children's section with it's teepee to snuggle up in. The staff are very welcoming.

d.

Brilliant! The lady at the till was ever so knowledgeable, friendly and happy to help. It was a pleasant experience and beautiful books/supplies on sale. Thank you! 🥰🍄🪵🌈

E. R.

This is THE BEST bookshop in Edinburgh. Beautiful, warm, well-curated and easy to walk around. The staff is super knowledgeable and very attentive. I don't live in the area but every time I go to the neighbourhood I pop into - and I always discovered new titles I hadn't heard of before.

J. R.

First visit. Beautiful shop and great choice

C. C.

A wonderful bookshop with excellent choice of books (especially nature writing and non-fiction) and a great atmosphere. The staff are lovely and knowledgeable and it’s a pleasure visiting. I also love their events, I’ve been to a couple which were brilliantly organised and have tickets for another one next month. We’re so lucky to have them in Porty!

E. (.

Not many spiritual philosophy books in shop.

P. S.

This is the best shop in Porty without exception. The staff are amazing, the shop is amazing and the selection of books is second to none! Plus, they'll happily order any book in print for you if they don't have it.

D. G.

Spacious, airy specialist independent bookshop conveniently located on main shopping street. Interesting selection of current fiction and non-fiction, with an attractive children's area. Plenty of seats and benches where customers can sit down while browsing. Recommended - they'll have something you'll just have to buy!

E. H.

Beautiful bookshop near the beach. While they're on the smaller side when it comes to stock, the selection they do offer is really varied and diverse. It was such a joy to see so many writers of colour present on their shelves, and lots of translated fiction, too! They even sell cards AND literary magazines such as the LBR and TLS. Staff are very kind, and the space is truly beautiful with ever changing window art. Dogs welcome!

L. T.

Love coming to the bookshop after a nice beach walk, browsing through the books and chatting to their nice staff. Definitely worth a visit if you like the smell of books and cosy reading corners. They even welcome my dog, who says to give a paws up!!!

R. G.

Amazing bookshop - carefully curated selection of books and magazines,brilliant ordering service, knowledgeable and welcoming staff and all this in the most impressive bookshop space in Scotland. If you visit and leave without buying something you're either contrary,confused or the kind of mug that buys stuff on Amazon. A local bookshop with serious chops. The addition of an all singing all dancing online shop has made life even easier if you can't make it in. And my dog likes it.

P. B.

So beautiful, crisp and clean, very well lit and really well stocked independent bookshop!

S. K.

Beautiful bookshop, lovely and helpful staff and a great range of books!

J.

Love this place - a good bookshop is a well overdue addition to Portobello's high street... and this is a GREAT book shop. The only problem is that I always feel spoilt for choice, and would like to spend ten times my book budget. The layout is very nice and spacious, with interesting displays and easy to find sections. The children's section is particularly pleasant, with all the classics shelved next to more unknown (to me at least) titles from around the world. Please shop here instead of Amazon and keep them going while they're only doing online. As soon as the COVID awfulness is over and we're allowed to browse again I'll be back in to buy book presents for my friends and family.

L. R.

Visited just before Christmas as I wanted to shop local for some gifts. I was so impressed by how helpful everyone was to help me find what I was looking for! Absolutely loved visiting and will definitely be back when the store is allowed to open again. Great selection and very welcoming team in store!

C. M.

A surprisingly big bookshop nestled into the Porty high street! Fantastically curated selection, arranged in such a way that your eye is sure to be caught by a book or two you never even knew you needed - the hallmark of a great indie bookshop. Loved the wee reading nooks, comfy chairs, piano, flowers and choice of music. To top it all off, the staff are a delight. I'll be back soon and have recommended a trip to several friends!

A. M.

Lovely bookshop, great place to browse and find something a bit different

L. S.

So glad that normal service has been resumed here. I’ve missed the shop, the ambiance, the staff, the stock and the cerebral oasis that is this marvellous word emporium. I love the periodical selection and the gender politics section is unsurpassed. Welcome back, just take my money now.

S. E.

This independent bookshop in Portobello is a gem. Welcoming staff who know their books. A lovely environment that works for adults and children with lots of space and cosy reading nooks. And tables piled high with enticing books. Just perfect.

J. T.

A beautifully decorated bookshop with a carefully crafted selection of books. I have visited several times since it's opening. The staff here are vastly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do. A great addition to Portobello!

A. S.

Excellent range. Children's section in particular. Personable, child-friendly staff. Porty needed a book shop of if this calibre. A welcome addition to the community.

A. A.

Amazing bookstore. My only regret is that I live too far away to visit regularly in person but thankfully their online service is excellent too. Can't wait for another trip to Portobello for a long overdue book browsing session!

S. M.

Excellent local bookshop with a well curated selection of books, friendly and helpful staff and a calm relaxing atmosphere.

E. W.

A beautiful bright space in which to relax while choosing your books of which there is a great selection Separate children's area with a very sturdy wigwam( for big kids also) Pay & help desk where staff are super friendly. Definitely recommend this place ..Be nice if there was a coffee machine perhaps.

V. R.

Excellent independent Bookshop, fantastic staff and selection. We visit this bookshop whenever we can. Highly recommend.

T. O.

Eclectic, curated and beautifully presented. If you are just browsing, there are some wonderful highlights from the stock on display. Tie-in editions beside standard editions, new releases (latest Margaret Atwood when I was there), singings and part of a book festival in October. Worth a visit.

E. G.

Wonderful shop. Staff unfailingly lovely, always helpful and brilliantly knowledgable. Been helped on many occasion with a tricky request - they’ve alway come up with the perfect book. Would not hesitate to recommend a visit if you find yourself in Portobello.

A. O.

Great bookshop and friendly staff

C. C.

Always a wonderful visit where I come away with new books I had never heard of or books I couldn't find elsewhere!

l. e.

Lovely spacious well designed and well stocked shop with friendly staff. Had not been to Porty for a while and this place was a very nice surprise.

i. m.

Lovely atmosphere. Very helpful staff

P.

One of the best additions to Portobello for a long time. They stock an impressive repertoire of books and staff are always friendly, knowledgable and willing to help, not to mention the interiors are gorgeous too!

A. M.

What a fantastic bookshop! So much thought has gone into the layout , particularly love the children's section. A delightful place to browse -and buy!

H. G.

Definitely one of my fave bookshops in Edinburgh. I always come away with a great book and it's a good space.

D. M.

Beautiful bookshop with a great selection of all the books you want to read! Very sweet kids section. Lovely staff too

J. D.

Great to see an independent bookshop again. This shop is well laid out and is also a relaxing place just to browse. Friendly and helpful service.

M. R.

This is a most awesome bookshop. Such informed and friendly staff who go to great lengths to help with any enquires. It epitomises what a real bookshop should be, a rare gem .

K. H.

Extremely nice and helpful staff, wonderful selection, and quick service. As an added bonus they are an independent store! Definitely recommend.

D. H.

It's a brilliant bookshop, I always come out so excited to read what I picked up!

D. H.

Great bookshop with excellent range. Always happy to order in anything they don't have in stock. Really friendly, knowledgable and helpful staff.

C. D.

Loved everything about the look and feel of the shop. Great selection of books and the staff have been exceptionally friendly whenever I've been in!

J. W.

It's a bookshop. If you enjoy reading please support places like this.

T. C.

Amazing range of books. Easy to find. Staff are lovely. Can't wait to come back.

S. M.

Great local bookshop. Staff are always friendly and helpful. Highly recommended

B. G.

just bough the new ian rankin book. thanks to jack for his advice on some new authors to try and to all the staff shop is truley amazing, great selection of books in an amazing shop and very keen and helpful staff that made a novice book buyer feel relaxed and welcome A real asset to portobello pity no 6 star rating

E. N.

Lovely to have a local bookshop

a. d.

Fantastic choice of books in a great shop

C. L.

Brilliant little bookshop with many choices you won't find in Waterstones, Blackwell's etc.

L. C.

Nicely decorated, good selection of books, loved the environment, very relaxing and inspiring. Great to see a children corner, really nicely done to encourage young children to read.

A. C.

Beautiful, yes beautiful, bookshop in Portobello. If you're looking for a special book for someone and aren't sure what to get you should definitely give the Portobello Bookshop a visit.

J. S. P.

Beautiful independent bookshop with easy layout, friendly, engaged staff and helpful recommendations. Thoroughly recommended.

M. C.

Absolutely beautiful curated bookshop. Friendly staff and atmosphere.

A. I.

Lovely to see new independent book shops popping up. The staff's enthusiasm is infectious. Folk who really care about books.

C. B.

A gem of a shop. A well curated collection, lovely kids section, and wonderful staff. Such a wonderful addition to the Edinburgh book scene.

A. R.

Fantastic independent bookshop. I bought several books that I didn't know I needed ... including 2 signed by the authors ❤❤❤

M. S.

Diverse range of books to suit any reader or interest. The shop has a calming and modern appearance, pleasure to shop.

J. T.

A Beutiful bookshop with a great choice to Read, browse and buy

D. L.

Beautifully converted into a lovely bookshop tastefully decorated. Open airy & light. The bookshelves well placed for easy acsess..& informative & freindly staff.

I. W.

Excellent and attractive bookshop. Good children's selection. Easy to find and right alongside a bus stop.

T. R.

Local independent book shop. Staff are professional and helpful. Great service.

S. K.

Always a great time here, great selection, friendly staff and a lovely open layout.

H. M.

Great wee shop but limited stock. Love to shop local

S. P.

Brilliant independent book shop. Great choice of books for all readers.

P. F.

Great experience for adults and a fantastic space for kids to learn about and read books. Eclectic range of books beautifully presented.

S. S. P.

Beautifully laid out, thoughtfully chosen books in a light and airy space with comfy chairs and friendly staff. A joy to visit.

K. F.

What a fab wee oasis of wonder! Excellent, super-helpful staff & a lovely atmosphere. Go soon!

J. C.

Really friendly service, nothing too much effort. Sourced books for us and sent long distance. Quick efficient service. Will be using them again. Thanks

B. D.

Best bookshop in Scotland

R. B.

Always great to visit an independent bookshop. A bit worried that as a new shop they are a bit top heavy on hardbacks.......for me a browse and buy shop !

W. M.

Really nice uncluttered spacious new book shop in sunny Portobello, good selection to browse through, friendly pleasant staff

E. Y.

Got a lovely book to read.

J. “. T.

A wonderfully curated, beautifully designed bookshop complete with comfy book nooks, a childrens tent and helpful bookish people! (When are you hiring? 😉)

H. B.

Fab independent bookshop. Well stocked. Very helpful staff.

S. M.

This book shop has made me fall in love with books again. There is such a varied and interesting choice, great ambience too.

S. C.

Quite a variety of books.

E. J.

What a lovely addition to Portobello High Street! Wonderful selection of books and very charming and helpful staff!

N. N.

M new favourite bookshop! Sadly I don't love in Edinburgh... But I will come back and buy books as much as possible

R.

Great choice of books; lovely events often scheduled

K. M.

Very helpful. Ordered stock in specially, and large range with recommendations available

L. R.

Beautiful bookshop, friendly staff, cute seats

T. C.

A lovely little independent bookshop with a good selection of books and just a few minutes walk from Portobello beach.

J. A.

What a brilliant indie bookshop, so many wonderful books and lovely staff too

D. C.

The bookshop has been in Portobello for just over six months now. It's a great asset to the place.

N. C.

Unexpected oasis of gentle browsing...and I even found an eclectic book on 1000 design patents 😁🤣

B. W.

Lovely indie bookshop. Helpful staff. I wanted to buy everything!

A. D.

Excellent independent bookshop. Well worth a visit.

R. C.

Excellent relaxing book shop with a broad and eccentric range of books with really knowlagable and kind staff

M. C.

A fantastic bookshop, beautifully laid out, with fab books and staff. Yet another excellent reason to visit Portobello.

J. O.

This is one of the best, most gorgeous and cosy bookshops I have ever visited. Go!

D. T.

Lovely laid out bookshop. Very friendly staff

A. M.

Lovely bookshop with great books and fabulous staff

C. D.

Great design, serious bookstore and enthusiastic, engaged staff. What's not to love

C. S.

Wow. I heard it was rather wonderful...a beautiful selection of books. Thank you!

R. A.

Great service during the lock down. Staying at home is certainly easier with a good book.

F. A.

Great selection of books, particularly lovely children's section.

Z. M.

Great selection of books and fantastic store design.

J.

I thought this was a beautiful book shop with a great selection of books

C. B.

Great new Bookshop in Portobello - wide selection of interesting books.

M. P.

One of my favourite bookshops anywhere

A. W.

A great addition to the high street, a pleasure to browse and take home a new treasured book!

J. O.

Well later out book store with well written recommendations for a diverse selection of books.

R. P.

Helpful staff and great selection of books. Also board games now!

D. R.

Be careful entering this place! You cannot resist the urge to buy books.

K. M.

A very nice bookshop with a decent selection.

M. B.

Fab bookshop with an amazing children's section!

G. P.

Fantastic place to come read. Staff are great, knowledgeable, and friendly.

M. S.

Great Young Adult/Teens selection.

M. R.

Nice selection of books. Pleasant staff

H. R.

Very hpful and friendly people, in a cool shop, couldn't be better

L. D.

Nice atmosphere with good selection of books

R. A.

Fantastic book shop.

a. y.

fab ahop to wander& browse in, staff friendly&well mannered

J. A.

Excellent place to shop, the staff are very friendly and helpful

M. N.

Great selection of books in a proper bookshop.

t. l.

Lovely well laid out shop with plenty of space

L. R.

Great bookstore

J. O.

Good selection & imaginatively displayed.

A. D. D.

Nice books

D. A.

A wonderful, new facility for an up and coming area.

I. M. C.

Very nice place and amazing variety available

Z. a. S.

Nice book shop wide variety

M. H.

Good stock. Pleasant employees.

D.

Nice helpful staff and shop

i. l.

Great service and friendly staff.

C. E.

A lovely accessible collection

M. M.

Gorgeous bookshop

E. F.

Perfect support

J. C.

Quaint

G. M.

Great place and kind staff

J. S.

Fab bookstore in heart of Portobello

W. B.

Was just having a wee look

S. P.

Interesting place

M. S.

Excellent service

C. A.

Plenty of choice

T. M.

Just what Portobello needs.

S. P.

Fab little bookshop

P. A.

" AMAZING "

V. N.

Charming place with great selection of new and traditional titles, hard to leave without buying a book. Really nice and knowledgeable staff.

R. C. M.

(Translated) Good selection of books in a nice place. (Original) Bona selecció de llibres en un lloc agradable.

N. Y.

(Translated) Great place with a great selection!! (Original) Отличное место с большим выбором!!

O. D.

(Translated) Beautiful bookstore. (Original) Magnifique librairie.

D. G.

K. M.

M. F.

T. N.

M. P.

F. B.

S.

S. D.

G. M.

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