London Shopfronts: Colourful illustrations of some of Central London’s most loved establishments

London Shopfronts is an illustrated book that celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of the city’s shops and businesses. Filled with vibrant illustrations, it captures the spirit of London’s iconic shopfronts. Created by illustrator Joel Holland and with expert descriptions by Time Out journalist and seasoned Londoner Rosie Hewitson, with a forward by Chef Asthma Khan of Darjeeling Express, this book is a colourful tribute to the city and its hidden stories.

Each page takes the reader by the hand and walks them to gems such as the smart blue shopfront of Neal’s Yard Dairy in Covent Garden, the uber cool BAO in Soho, or the sweetshop-like displays of the London Review Bookshop. London Shopfronts captures in colour the spirit of these shops which make London so unique.

An illustrated love letter to London and the vivacious & diverse independent shops that add colour to the Big Smoke…

A quick chat with Joel Holland

What is your connection to Soho, and what draws you (no pun intended!) to the area?

I’m very fond of the entire city, but have special memories of visits to Soho. On my first visit years ago my favorite night was there, with my friends Helen and Dan and Petra. I don’t recall the order but we went to Garlic Shots, then Bar Italia, Ronnie Scott’s and then an epic finale at New Evaristo Club (fondly known as Trisha’s). In my memory it was all on the same block and very close proximity to each other. What a fun night! When I was working on the book all these memories and more came back to me as well as finding new places to explore. Such a great community!

What do you want readers to take away from the new book?

I hope they enjoy it in whatever way they like, as a guidebook, an art book, a piece of nostalgia, etc. For me, this series of books is about the special stories that come from these small, often family owned establishments and the people that make it happen. I hope readers will create their own memories at these or wherever their local business of choice is.